According to the Mirror, Jürgen Klopp was keen to bring Raheem Sterling back to Liverpool, but the Manchester City forward is now joining Chelsea.
What’s the story?
Well, this would’ve been a remarkable signing by the Reds.
Sterling left Anfield for the Etihad Stadium back in 2015 for a sum of £49m, before going on to win four Premier League titles in Manchester.
Liverpool have lost Sadio Mane, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino this summer, and the Mirror believe Klopp was keen on bringing the England international back to Merseyside in light of those departures.
However, Sterling is now close to joining Chelsea in a deal worth £45m.
The 27-year-old’s move to Stamford Bridge comes after he scored 17 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions last season, while also providing nine assists.
Sterling was also said to be a target for Arsenal and Tottenham, although the Gunners have now signed Gabriel Jesus, whereas Tottenham have secured Richarlison’s signature.
Liverpool should’ve pushed Chelsea
In our view, Liverpool should have made more effort to sign Sterling this summer.
Klopp relied a lot on the likes of Mane, Origi and Minamino as he aimed to secure a quadruple for Liverpool, so even though the latter pair were fringe players, their goals need to be replaced.
Sterling certainly knows where the back of the net is, and after already shining at Anfield, he surely wouldn’t have needed much time to settle back in.
Nevertheless, he seems destined for west London, so Liverpool must look elsewhere as they aim to replace what Mane, Origi and Minamino brought to the squad.
One player who could arrive to bolster the frontline is Marco Asensio, who is willing to take a pay cut as he aims to leave Real Madrid this summer, with Klopp supposedly interested in the Spaniard.
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