Tony Evans, football editor at The Times, has explained the Raheem Sterling contract situation to his followers on Twitter.
Although Liverpool have always preferred to do its business behind closed doors, Sterling’s contract has been high on the media agenda for quite some time, and Brendan Rodgers has often been asked about it in his press conferences.
It’s probably to be expected that Sterling’s gone public in response, and a 27 minute interview with the BBC was rather more revealing than the typical monotonic chat with a footballer.
Reds owners Fenway Sports Group showed with their refusal to do business with Arsenal for Luis Suarez that they are willing to play hardball with a player, and it’s pleasing to see that no player is bigger than the club.
However, Sterling has been a key reason for optimism about Liverpool’s future upon Suarez eventually being sold to FC Barcelona, and it’d be tough to see him leave – even if the potential of Jordon Ibe gives cause for hope.
Ok *deep breath* Sterling. Wait until you've read the lot. He's been underpaid since he was 18. The 30k (now 35) was a bad deal. 1/?
— Tony Evans (@TonyEvansTimes) April 1, 2015
It should have been 50k rising with appearances. It's cost the kid a lot of money and others were earning far more and contributing less 2/?
— Tony Evans (@TonyEvansTimes) April 1, 2015
Now, he was offered 100k. Asked for 140k. That's more than Sturridge, who FSG think will be the star 3/?
— Tony Evans (@TonyEvansTimes) April 1, 2015
Never going to happen. What now? Advisors think City will be looking for English youngsters in summer. They will. FSG will play hardball 4/?
— Tony Evans (@TonyEvansTimes) April 1, 2015
They did with Suarez. But make no mistake. They don't want him to leave. They don't want to cash in. They don't want to overpay 5/?
— Tony Evans (@TonyEvansTimes) April 1, 2015
They want to win. That way, the club has more value. If and when they sell, they want best price. Comes from winning 6/7
— Tony Evans (@TonyEvansTimes) April 1, 2015
But they don't want to overspend. They have a clear vision of how the club runs. Agree or not, they have a policy (lost count now)
— Tony Evans (@TonyEvansTimes) April 1, 2015
If I was Sterling's agent, I'd ask for 120 with a 45m buyout clause. Play every week and keep my options open
— Tony Evans (@TonyEvansTimes) April 1, 2015
2 things before I go to bed. Sterling has been underpaid. That needs to be sorted. Any LFC fans who are angry with him need to get a grip
— Tony Evans (@TonyEvansTimes) April 1, 2015