Why Aston Villa must make a move for Daniel Sturridge in the summer

According to Turkish outlet Fotospor (h/t The Birmingham Mail), Aston Villa are interested in signing Trabzonspor striker Daniel Sturridge, who is set to leave the Super Lig club at the end of the season despite having a contract until the summer of 2021.

The Englishman, 30, joined Trabzonspor in the summer after his contract expired at Liverpool. He has since made 16 appearances for the Turkish outfit, scoring seven goals and supplying four assists across all competitions.

However, Daniel Sturridge has endured injury concerns once again, with a thigh problem keeping him on the sidelines for over a month. The report (h/t The Birmingham Mail) now claims that the striker has barely been able to train since arriving in Turkey last summer and as a result, Trabzonspor could allow him to leave at the end of the season.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa are currently just one point outside the relegation zone as we enter the final few months of the season. In a bid to retain their top-flight status, the Villans signed Mbwana Samatta, Pepe Reina, Danny Drinkwater and Borja Baston during the winter transfer window. Dean Smith brought in Samatta and Baston to bolster his forward line, which has been dented with Wesley Moraes’ season-ending injury and Jonathan Kodjia’s departure.

It remains to be seen whether or not Villa manage to stay in the Premier League. With every passing week, it looks bleak as Smith’s side have now lost three consecutive league games. Although Smith signed Samatta and Baston in January, the Villa boss should prioritise adding a proven goalscorer in the summer. And he should go for Daniel Sturridge.

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Sturridge has done well at Trabzonspor since joining on a free transfer from Liverpool. Although he has not been able to keep himself fully fit in Turkey, with injuries still being a big problem, he has netted 7 goals in 16 appearances. The Englishman has massive top-flight experience, having scored 77 times in 218 appearances.

Verdict

That’s a testament to his goalscoring ability and Sturridge certainly would bolster Villa’s attack next season should Smith manage to sign him. He would bring a lot of quality to Smith’s attack, whilst adding squad depth as well.

The 30-year-old has proven himself in England and if he manages to keep away his injury problems, Sturridge could be a worthy signing for the Villans ahead of the 2020/21 season.