3 swaps Liverpool could engineer from Bayern’s winger interest
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Not only are Liverpool facing up to the fact that their most iconic player in their side will be leaving for pastures new at the end of the season, but rumours are abound that a flourishing youngster is sought after too.
Raheem Sterling’s contract is causing Brendan Rodgers concern. The Northern Irishman has already stated that the forward has been offered a “fantastic” new deal, but news that any renewal talks won’t take place until the summer, along with the revelation that Bayern Munich are very keen on the England man, is unwanted.
Is Pep Guardiola’s pursuit of Sterling all that bad though? The German giants have a squad cherry ripe with players that Liverpool could exchange Sterling for if they are shrewd enough. Here’s just three:
Franck Ribery
If the rumours are to be believed, Sterling is going to be the Frenchman’s replacement at the Allianz Arena should he arrive.
With youngster Mitchell Weiser also emerging for Pep Guardiola, it certainly seems that Ribery’s game-time would be limited and with Liverpool needing to fill a gaping hole out wide in Sterling’s absence, there aren’t many better placed to make an instant impact there.
Javi Martinez
It is widely expected that, along with Gerrard, Lucas Leiva will be making way from the Reds midfield this summer too. Should happen Liverpool will be extremely light on central stars with Emre Can utilised in the back line.
One thing Bayern are not short of is centre-circle dwellers. The converted Philipp Lahm, Xabi Alonso, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mario Gotze, Thiago, Sebastian Rode and Pierre Hojbjerg will all be competing for at most three places next season.
That leaves little room for Martinez, who has been pushed to the back of the queue due to injury.
Jerome Boateng
A centre-back with proven Premier League experience is vital for instantaneous performances, just ask Eliaquim Mangala at Manchester City.
Should Rodgers want to push Can back into the middle then he’ll need to invest in another centre-half, and exchanging Sterling for Boateng could well be the cheapest way of doing so to good effect, considering the disappointing waste of money Dejan Lovren has looked.
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