After more speculation over a move Stateside, is Daniel Sturridge finally heading to Major League Soccer? HITC Sport look at three reasons why he could be.
1) Constant transfer speculation
French media outlet L’Equipe is reporting that Sturridge is currently training in the United States – and is ‘very open to the idea of joining a top MLS side‘.
In 2019, ESPN reported that D.C. United were in negotiations to sign Sturridge from Liverpool, with the Philadelphia Union also keen on the goal-getter. Sturridge eventually signed with Turkish side Trabzonspor in August 2019.
However, earlier this year, the 30-year-old was attracting further interest from Major League Soccer.
Reports in May suggested that Sturridge was in talks over an MLS move – with new expansion club Inter Miami and, once again, D.C. United both interested parties.
2) Representation… and Atlanta United?
Sturridge is represented by American-based agency Octagon – who have offices in Atlanta. Indeed, despite D.C. United, Miami and Philadelphia all previously linked, the striker may be best suited to the 2018 MLS Cup winners, Atlanta United.
The Five Stripes’ fan-favorite, Josef Martinez, ruptured his ACL in March. As a result, Frank De Boer’s side are currently without a recognized center-forward until the 2021 season.
Despite being without a club, Sturridge would not come cheap – and Atlanta already have three designated players. However, United are famed for their creativity on the transfer front. They may be able to use the significant allocation money from the trade of Julian Gressel to help fund any potential move for Sturridge.
3) Breaking The Music Industry
In 2017 Sturridge established his own music label, Dudley Road Records. The market to grow this interest beyond the soccer field is possibly much greater in the United States. Again, Atlanta, which is synonymous with a thriving music industry, could be a perfect fit. Georgia native and rapper, Ludacris, once described Atlanta as ‘The Motown of the South‘.
Whether is materializes or not, the thought of Daniel Sturridge scoring goals in Major League Soccer, whilst also developing his off-field business ventures, remains a distinct possibility.
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