According to media reports, Rafa Benitez has targeted Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling as his first big signing at Real Madrid in the coming season. Benitez, who is tipped to be the successor of Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid in the coming weeks, is planning to reunite with his ex-pupil at the La Liga club.
During his stint as the Liverpool manager, Benitez had bought Sterling at the club from QPR at the age of 15 in 2010. Rafa Benitez apparently is still a great admirer of the talented youngster and wants to rope him in Madrid.
Raheem Sterling is almost certain to leave Anfield. Several other top European sides like, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, etc are keen on signing the English winger.
Raheem Sterling has great respect for the Spanish manager and that could steer the transfer deal in favour of Real Madrid.
Sterling is one of the most important Liverpool players and it will be difficult for them to find a replacement if the Englishman leaves this summer. Being a winger predominantly, he has immense pace, he has goal scoring ability and is pretty versatile. He has scored 7 goals this season for the Reds and provided 7 assists. Sterling can also be used as a striker when necessary. In the abesecne of main strikers, Brendan Rodgers had fielded Sterling as the main striker on several occassions this season.
Gareth Bale’s future at Real Madrid is at stake, who had a disappoiting season this time. The Wales international scored 13 goals and provided 9 assists. He has not delivered according to expectations and might be sold in the summer. If Bale is actually released, Sterling can prove to be a like for like replacement at Madrid. Sterling and Cristiano Ronaldo’s combination on the wings could prove to be extremely deadly for the Los Blancos in the next season.