The summer transfer saga that seems like it could run and run shouldn’t be something that Liverpool fans should worry about. Or at least that is the view of former Red Michael Owen.
Owen, not adored by the Liverpool fans himself, said that he “wouldn’t lose sleep” if Liverpool were to lose Sterling this summer, stating that he isn’t irreplaceable should the club decide to cash in on the talented youngster.
Speaking at the launch of the new BT Sport Europe channel with former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, Owen said that the Kop should not be overly worried at the prospect of losing a player or Sterling’s level as any funds raised could be spent on a better player, saying it isn’t comparable to the situation Liverpool were left in last year when the club sold Luis Suárez to Barcelona.
“You cannot replace someone that good,” Owen said of Suárez.
“If Liverpool lose Sterling, they can replace him with the money you get. He’s a very good player with lots of potential, but you can replace him.”
Another former Liverpool player was having his say on the situation, with Steve McManaman saying how he thought it was too soon for Sterling to move to La Liga just yet.
“I think his development is more important than anything,” said McManaman. “I just hope that whatever happens with Raheem, it’s for the benefit of him. He needs to play football regularly and he needs to keep on improving.”
Owen did have another warning for a player that will be at Anfield next season, saying that Danny Ings will need to up his game for his new club, stating how challenging for a stating place will be tough for Ings if he stays at this level.
“It’s a whole new ball game when you go to a club like Liverpool,” insisted the former England striker.
“Then the scrutiny is on. Any weaknesses that you have in your game will be exposed at a top club.”
A player who had an eye for goal in his time with the club, Owen gave his opinion on what Ings should be aiming towards in the seasons to come at Anfield. He said that Liverpool’s new forward couldn’t be seen to be “just nicking a goal every so often”.
Owen also said: “But it is great to see lads like that come from the smaller teams into the big boys and get a chance.”
Ings will be officially announced as a Liverpool player on July 1 alongside James Milner, but it is yet to be seen if Sterling will be at the club when they arrive in less than a month’s time.
