Liverpool have been in constant talks with the mercurial Raheem Sterling for the possibility of signing a new long-term contract with Liverpool. Liverpool greats Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher in recent weeks, have publicly advised Raheem Sterling to pen a new deal and continue his football at Anfield.
Lately, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has been facing more question on Sterling’s new deal than Liverpool’s results and perfromances in his interviews. Speaking ahead of the massive game against Spurs Rodgers explained to the media that Liverpool have offered and “Incredible New Deal” to Raheem Sterling if he wishes to sign it.
It is being reported that Liverpool officials have offered Sterling a wage structure of around £90,000 – £1,00,000 a week. Sterling’s agents however, are seeking the value to rise to as-much-as £1,20,000-a-week. This is the reason which is delaying the commitment of Sterling’s long-term future at Liverpool.
Real Madrid have been monitoring Sterling’s contract issue very closely. La Liga giants have publicly expressed their desires to sign the Liverpool prodigy and some of the Spanish media are convinced about Sterling signing for Real Madrid because an opportunity of playing at Bernabeu is starting to raise the doubts in Sterling’s mind and he is inclined to move to Spain to seal his fate.
Things are no longer as certain as they were before for Sterling to sign the long-term deal with Liverpool. Jamie Carragher has come out and said that the sooner Sterling signs his new contract the better it will be for both the parties.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has recently sent a stinging remarks to Sterling’s agents by saying that “Liverpool will not be held to ransom against Sterling’s representatives”. Comments such as these indicate that all is not well behind the scenes between Raheem Sterling and Liverpool.
Liverpool fans would hope that Sterling’s contract situation does not end up like that of Steven Gerrard. Liverpool legend clearly stated that had there been a contract offered at the right time he would have signed it but the club thought took it too long and saw Gerrard slip away. Sterling could head out from Anfield as well if he is not offered the right contract at the right time.
So the question that begs to be asked is, “Will we see Raheem Sterling in a red shirt of Liverpool or the famous whites of Real Madrid next season”? I think the answer to this question lies with Liverpool and Liverpool only. If the club value Sterling as the player who will be the face of the club for years to come, they need to show that to Sterling and make him sign the sought-after “Incredible New Deal” at Anfield.