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5 possible destinations for Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge

By Thomas Wheaton

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 25: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool with Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on November 25, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 25: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool with Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on November 25, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) /
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Daniel Sturridge is in need of a change of scenery to revive his career. Here are five clubs that would make sense.

Since his terrific 2013-14 campaign, Daniel Sturridge’s career has taken a turn for the worse. After the promising young striker left Chelsea in favor of Liverpool during the January transfer window in 2013, things looked extremely bright. In the second half of the 2012-13 season Sturridge tallied 10 goals in 14 appearances in the Premier League. Then, during his incredible season in 2013-14, he almost helped Liverpool seal the league title with 21 goals, second only to his teammate, Luis Suarez.

Sturridge played extremely well during the title challenge, but his 2014-15 season was derailed by injury. Calf, thigh, you name it. After missing so much time, it was clearly difficult for him to make his way back to the first team. The 2015-16 season was a decent one for Sturridge, though again injuries prevented him from putting together a decent run of games. He finished the season with 13 goals in all competitions, best on the team.

During the 2016-17 season, Sturridge, whose injuries had relegated him to second fiddle behind Roberto Firmino, who had by then found his feet in England and become a key component of Jurgen Klopp’s team. It’s the same story this year. With all of the attacking talent Liverpool have, it’s hard for Sturridge to get adequate playing time. The English international has only received five starts in the Premier League this season, scoring twice.

Ahead of the World Cup, Sturridge needs consistent playing time to make his way onto the roster. It’s clear he needs to make a move to get the playing time he desires, so here are a few teams that could offer him consistent minutes.

5. Crystal Palace

Roy Hodgson and Crystal Palace are engaged in a relegation battle, and Daniel Sturridge could be the key to ensuring safety. Hodgson has experience with Sturridge from his time as England manager, so this move makes even more sense. The only question is whether the talented striker will be willing to join a team battling to stay up.

The only competition for playing time at Palace is Christian Benteke. The two were teammates at Liverpool before Benteke made the move to join the Eagles, so will be familiar with one another. Hodgson could play the two together, but that would mean moving Zaha back into midfield, and the winger has excelled as forward under Hodgson.

Regardless, Crystal Palace would be able to offer more minutes to Sturridge than Liverpool. However, less competition for minutes comes with the price of being at the bottom of the table. Palace are currently 14th, but only two points clear of 18th place and are flirting with being sent down.

Palace’s goalscoring struggles are quite apparent, and Sturridge would immediately help in that department. Scoring only 20 goals in 22 matches is a recipe for disaster. It’s obvious they need more production.

A loan move would make more sense as Sturridge would not want to be stuck with the Eagles should they be demoted to the Championship. Playing time should be the most important factor for Sturridge ahead of the World Cup, and Palace can provide that. But there are other destinations that would make more sense for the English striker.

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