The January window has been open just over a day and already two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs have made significant progress in the transfer market.
Liverpool have today announced the signing of England striker Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea. The £12 million deal marks Rodger’s first move in order to improve the quality of his squad at Anfield, an early statement from the Red’s manager after Liverpool’s slow start to the season.
Adding Sturridge should provide a boost to the Reds’ attack, which has lacked serious contributors outside of top scorer Luis Suarez.
The 23-year-old England international fell out of favour at Stamford Bridge and battled a hamstring injury, a combination of which kept him side-lined since the middle of November. So it’s no surprise he’s happy to get a fresh start at Anfield.
Speaking this morning to Liverpoolfc.com, Sturridge stated, “I’m humbled and happy to be here”
“I’ve not signed here to play for a couple of years and then move on.”
“I’ve signed to be here for as long as possible. It’s a humongous club – for me, one of the biggest in the world.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea haven’t hesitated to replace Sturridge. The Blues have triggered the release clause in Newcastle forward Demba Ba’s contract.
It is believed his contract contains a clause which allows him to speak to other clubs in the event of a £7m bid. As a result, Ba has been given permission to speak to the London club.
The Senegalese, who joined Newcastle from West Ham in June 2011, is currently joint-second top scorer in the Premier League with 13 goals.
Newcastle had attempted to negotiate a new deal with the Senegal international in recent months, which would remove the clause, but it became active on 1 January.
Earlier this week, Magpies boss Alan Pardew was hopeful Ba would stay but criticised the network of people representing the player.
However he is now resigned to losing Ba. He told Sky Sports: “It’s done, he will go to Chelsea with our blessing. He has done fantastically for us; it’s a big club, good luck to him.
In this case, I think it’s finally fair to credit Chelsea as fair as the clubs transfer policy is concerned. At just £7 million Ba is a steal. He’s clearly a proven striker in the Premier League and with the quality Chelsea possess in midfield I think we’ll see him score plenty more goals this season.
Sturridge on the other is a player full of potential, in my opinion he’s yet to show his true quality. Unlike his time at Chelsea, Rodgers will provide him with plenty of playing time at Anfield – finally he’ll have the chance to prove himself.
Please feel free to comment with your opinions.