Daniel Sturridge is still a free agent following his release from Liverpool, with Aston Villa rumoured to have been linked with him over the course of the summer.
Ron Atkinson has admitted that on his day Daniel Sturridge can be a ‘top Premier League striker’ but stated that he would be a risky signing for Aston Villa.
Sturridge is still a free agent following his release from Liverpool and last month he was touted for a move to newly-promoted Villa, as reported by the Sun.
Despite the summer transfer window slamming shut on Thursday evening in the UK because Sturridge is a free-agent, he’d be able to sign for anyone at any point.
Speaking to BBC Radio West Midlands, former Aston Villa manager Atkinson stated whether Villa should sign the two-time Champions League winner.
“The big problem is injuries,” Atkinson told BBC Radio WM. “If you can bring them in on a deal where it is all geared up to appearances and things like that [pay as you play] then I wouldn’t argue with that.
“But if you are going to outlay a big contract on either of those players [Welbeck, who has since joined Watford or Sturridge, who is still a free agent] then I think it’s a chance if you look at their past record.
“I mean Sturridge is top draw. A top Premier League striker. His goal records suggest that. But does he play enough games to warrant a big contract for?”
There’s no doubt that Villa need that extra firepower ahead of Thursday’s 5pm cut-off point, as the club will no doubt be working hard to get deals over the line.
But considering his injury record, and age, 29, Sturridge would be a risk for the Midlands outfit, who have signed a lot of young players this summer.
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