Danny Mills has claimed that Daniel Sturridge’s days at Liverpool are “numbered”.
The £130,000-a-week striker [Spotrac] has struggled to make an impression at Anfield this season, with his current deal set to expire in the summer.
And BBC Sport pundit Mills believes that his time on Merseyside is coming to an end.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “His days are numbered.
“He has been an exceptional player for Liverpool, particularly when [Luis] Suarez was there.
“Realistically, can he get in the side going forward and replace Mohammed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane? No, he can’t. Liverpool need more competition for the front three, someone who can come in when they are unavailable or need a rest.
“Sturridge is no longer that player. He has lost that zip, probably due to all the injuries, and is not the player he was.”
OPINION
It will be a shame to see Sturridge leave Liverpool, but chances are it will come as a surprise to nobody. Injuries have finally taken their toll on the forward and it is difficult to see how he could ever hope to leapfrog the likes of Mane, Salah, and Firmino in the pecking order again. Even Divock Origi looks to be miles ahead of him in terms of his status at the club, and with his contract coming to an end, it is only natural to assume that Sturridge will be shown the exit door this summer. Where that leaves the Reds is difficult to say. Will Jurgen Klopp feel the need to go and buy another striker, or will he be happy to put his faith in emerging starlet Rhian Brewster? There is probably a decent argument for either approach, but whatever he decides, it is safe to assume at this point that his squad for next season will not include a player once deemed so vital to Reds’ hopes of success.
