Long linked with a move away from Anfield, both Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge and Reds boss Jurgen Klopp have without exception played down the constant speculation generated by the press, but with what’s sure to be a busy summer full of transfer activity looming, they’re sitting down to have a little chat about the future.
“Whatever I say it would be a headline, and I don’t want headlines after the season. I am fine with the headlines already,” said Klopp, sounding as annoyed as ever with the rumour mill. “We speak about everything. It’s not just my talks, it’s talks with [sporting director] Michael Edwards, with agents,” explained the German manager. “We speak to everybody. In the end, everybody will know what happens when it happens,” stressed the Liverpool boss. “It is not always in our hands. It’s not just about Daniel. That’s how transfers work, whether someone stays or not.”
Although he played a key role in the Reds run in to the end of the season and found the back of the net in a friendly with Australian side Sydney FC earlier in the week, Sturridge will almost certainly miss out on England’s upcoming internationals with a hip problem — an niggling injury that has blighted his time at Anfield. Linked with the likes of Arsenal, Southampton and West Ham United over the past year, the 27-year old has shown that he still has what it takes to be a top striker, but whether he stays on Merseyside or moves on to pastures new, his constant fitness woes make him a massive liability — something that may have played a key role in the Hammers dropping their interest in bringing him to the London Stadium.
“When I see this with Daniel playing well with Roberto [Firmino] and Steven Gerrard [who made a guest appearance in the match], I think maybe I am three years too late in coming to Liverpool,” mused Klopp, clearly impressed with not only Sturridge, but his side as a whole. “What can I say? This kind of football game makes it easy to enjoy what they are doing.”
