Aston Villa linked with a transfer for two-time UCL winner: A shrewd move by Smith

Liverpool released a few players at the end of the season after their contracts expired, one of them being former Manchester City, Chelsea and England striker Daniel Sturridge, who played for the Merseyside team between 2013 and 2019.

The 29-year-old striker is a free agent and a host of clubs are interested in signing him, the latest being Aston Villa.

Sturridge, who scored 67 goals in 160 games for Liverpool, is a target for Villa as per the Sun, while Rangers, who are managed by his former teammate Steven Gerrard, are also reportedly interested.

The Birmingham-born player was part of the Villa academy, playing for four years at the club, before his move to Coventry City and then Manchester City academy.

Sturridge has won the Premier League, two FA Cups, and two Champions League (Liverpool and Chelsea) trophies in his club career. The Englishman has played for Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool, and had a few loan spells elsewhere as well.

The 29-year-old has also played for the England national team on 26 occasions.

Daniel Sturridge would be a shrewd addition to Aston Villa

Aston Villa have been very active in the transfer market so far ahead of the 2019-20 season.

Manager Dean Smith, who won promotion to the Premier League after defeating Frank Lampard’s Derby County in the Championship playoffs, have already spent over €50 million so far, a fee that could rise if they confirm Tyrone Mings’ arrival.

The Villans are going gung-ho in their goal of staying in the Premier League next season, and have been linked with quite a few players.

The signing of Sturridge could be a very smart move. Villa will get him for no transfer fee as he is currently a free agent, while they won’t be burdened by his huge wages if they get relegated if they agree to a one-year contract clause.

At 29 years of age, Sturridge still has a lot to offer, if he can keep himself injury free throughout the campaign.

Sturridge is a player who can play with his back toward the goal and hold up play for the rest of the team to join in attack, while he is also a skillful dribbler.

His Premier League experience, as well as his connections with Aston Villa from his youth years, will help him settle in the team quickly, and possibly help them stay in the league.