If Raheem Sterling were to leave Liverpool, who would you want to replace him…
The British press has once again been dominated this week by stories of Raheem Sterling’s potential exit from Liverpool, as negotiations over a new contract continue to stall.
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Liverpool transfer news
According to the Times, Sterling’s representatives have turned down an offer of a five-year deal worth around £100,000-per-week, with the 20-year-old forward reportedly chasing around £140k.
The report adds that Liverpool are now ready to play hardball with the player, forcing him to keep to the terms of his current £35,000-per-week contract, which expires in the summer of 2017.
Obviously, we want Sterling to stay. The winner of the 2014 Golden Boy award has the potential to be one of the best players on the planet! But it’s worth considering our next move, should he do what we fear most and leave.
With any potential move likely to hand us a minimum of £50m to spend, our options are open. In the list below, we count down five potential replacements:
5) Roberto Firmino (1899 Hoffenheim)
The 23-year-old Brazilian is a target for a number of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as Liverpool. Reports in the Metro claim that he’s 90% likely to move this summer, and the Reds could step up their interest in the player as a result. He’s only scored eight goals so far this season, but managed 22 in the previous campaign, earning him the award for the Bundesliga’s breakthrough player. He scored for Brazil in their recent friendly victory over Chile – and is known for his dribbling and shooting.
4) Jordon Ibe (Liverpool)
Do we even need a replacement? We could simply promote from within. Ibe, 19, burst onto the scene earlier this season, with a series of impressive performances following his return from a loan spell at Championship side Derby County. He’s primarily been used as a wing-back thus far, but like Sterling has the capability to be versatile and push further forward – both as an attacking midfielder and even as a centre forward. If Ibe develops his potential – he could match Sterling – only with a more powerful physical frame.
3) Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
Speculation linking Theo Walcott with a move to Liverpool emerged last month, following rumours of a potential bust-up between the player and Gunners manager Arsene Wenger – as reported by the Daily Mirror. The England international’s huge contract demands are a major stumbling block, while he is arguably still to deliver on his massive potential. The 26-year-old has scored 72 goals in 294 games during his nine year Arsenal career, and is a well-known Liverpool fan. Would you take the England man, Reds?
2) Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
A long-term Liverpool target, or at least a long-term rumoured Liverpool target. There is little doubting the German international’s immense quality, but his recent struggles with injury will be a major detraction, especially considering the potentially high asking price.
According to the Daily Star, Reus rejected Liverpool – and a number of other Premier League clubs – earlier this year, when he signed a new contract, and it will be interesting to see if he can be convinced to change his mind on leaving Dortmund. If we miss out on Champions League, Reus would be an extremely ambitious target – with or without Sterling.
1) Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven)
As we reported earlier today, Depay has been tipped for a move to Liverpool by Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan, who feels that the Reds could rival Manchester United for the 21-year-old winger. Depay scored twice at the World Cup last summer, and is rated at around £20m by his club. He has scored 23 goals in 34 games so far this season and fits well with Brendan Rodgers’ transfer policy of signing promising young players. Although in truth – we’d love Depay to partner Sterling behind Daniel Sturridge – ultimately.
