Daniel Sturridge, who will be a free agent come July 1st, will leave Liverpool in the summer (report by BBC) as confirmed earlier by the club. The Englishman will end his Anfield career on a high note after lifting the Champions League trophy with the Reds.
The former Chelsea and Manchester City striker, who will turn 30 soon after the new season kicks-off, managed 4 goals and 2 assists in 27 appearances for the Merseyside club. His late equaliser against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was the highlight of his season as Jurgen Klopp and co. finished just one point behind eventual Champions Manchester City.
Let’s have a look at the three clubs who can sign the 29-year-old forward who will be eager to have a consistent and productive phase in his career now.
Newcastle United
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez has steadied the Magpies ship ever since helping the club make a return to the Premier League but if there is one area he would like to strengthen, it would be in his attack as he has failed to nail down a regular striker on a permanent move who can score up to 15 goals a season.
The Magpies finished the season in the 13th position with a goal difference of -6. West Bromwich Albion loanee Salomon Rondon scored 12 goals but with the Venezuelan returning back to the Championship, a void of a centre-forward could once again haunt Benitez and his side if they fail to make a permanent move for Rondon.
Sturridge, who will arrive on free to the St. James Park, possesses the capability to fill that void and the transfer money saved could be utilized on other key areas to increase the squad depth, an issue regularly raised by Benitez during his time at the club.
West Ham United
The Hammers are another club who are on the lookout for a striker after selling Lucas Perez to Deportivo Alaves. Meanwhile, Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic’s future remain uncertain and Andy Carroll is set to leave the club on a free this summer.
Sturridge could be a vital addition to the London club and he will come with crucial experience under his belt for the Hammers who aim to finish in the European places in the next season under manager Manuel Pellegrini.
The 29-year-old is an expressive striker and is willing to take risks in his attacking play, something which will be appreciated by Pellegrini. His finishing and the ability to produce the spectacular are also traits which will come in handy for the Hammers.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
The Black Country outfit made a remarkable comeback to the Premier League securing Europa League qualification in their first year back in the English top flight. Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo, in hope of avoiding a Burnley do-over, will be looking to increase the squad depth with quality additions.
Sturridge will be an ideal signing in that regard. He will arrive on a free which is important to Wolves as they look to bolster different areas in their squad for a huge next season.
Stat Courtesy: Transfermarkt