#360view: Liverpool must not be held to ransom by Sterling's demands

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  • Sterling's future at Liverpool remains decidedly uncertain.

    The fractious relationship between Liverpool Football Club’s supporters and Raheem Sterling will be at breaking point later this week.

    When the talented youngster and his representatives meet with manager Brendan Rodgers to outline his desire to leave, it will deal the club another bitter blow.

    With the impending departure of captain Steven Gerrard to LA Galaxy coupled with the collapse of a dreadful season that saw their trophy hunt end with a whimper and failure to reach the Champions League, the Reds could do without a political warfare this summer. 

    Liverpool have been here before, just two years ago, in fact, when Luis Suarez tried to force through a move to Arsenal. But if one thing can be taken from that protracted saga it’s that owner John W Henry will not be pressured into a sale or held to ransom by Sterling and his representative Aidy Ward.

    Ward was forced into somewhat of a backtrack when he claimed reports splashed across the back of every British newspaper that Sterling wanted out, had been “blown out of proportion”.

    That implies there may be some room for negotiation but the vultures are circling and Liverpool can expect a series of bids this summer from their rivals that may not match their expectations but will only seek to unsettle their prized asset even further. 

    It’s not clear if financial reward is the motivation for Sterling or whether it is the appetite for trophies but regardless, what does this say about Liverpool?

    It’s easy to be roped into the club are the good guys and the player the bad guy but this is much more than that. Liverpool have become an easy target for star players to leave. Agents feed off vulnerability and right now, after the season they’ve endured, they are there for the taking. The Reds’ relative mediocrity is there for all to see. Sterling and Ward know that.

    But what Liverpool supporters must remember is that Sterling is not in the same ilk of departing skipper Gerrard. Merseyside is not his natural home. He was born in Jamaica and grew up in London so the emotional ties to Liverpool are non-existent. They are simply his employers. The problem is, though, fans expect loyalty in an era where there is none and have reacted angrily, claiming they can afford to lose a talented player. 

    Sterling's tantalising footwork.

    Don’t be fooled, a Sterling departure would be hugely detrimental to Rodgers. Believing Sterling is dispensable because he is not the finished product is laughable.

    He’s 20 years old. Last season he was Europe’s best teenager and despite a dip in form this term, is still a crucial cog in the Red machine. Just look at the cold hard facts; first for successful dribbles, fouls won, attempted shots and second for goals, starts and assists at Liverpool.

    Can they really afford to lose a player with that much impact, again? Suarez has gone, Gerrard is going and Daniel Sturridge is broken. To attract new players in the summer Liverpool must show ambition and keep their stars. 

    With two years left on his contract it’s in their hands. They must, though, act and perform like a big club otherwise they will leave themselves at the mercy of those who do, namely Manchester City and Arsenal.

    Should Sterling go it has to be on Liverpool’s terms and if he stays he has some making up to do with those who make the final judgement at Anfield; the fans.

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