Raheem Sterling deal 'not a good sign' for Liverpool says Patrik Berger
Thursday 16 July 2015 14:59, UK
Former Liverpool midfielder Patrik Berger says that Raheem Sterling’s transfer to Manchester City is "not a good sign" for his old club.
The Czech, who made 196 appearances for the Reds, believes his former employers are gaining an unwanted reputation as a selling club.
Sterling is the second high-profile sale at Anfield in as many seasons, following Luis Suarez’s £75m departure to Barcelona last year.
Berger, who joined Liverpool for £3.25m in 1996, is worried about the club’s ability to attract Europe’s top players.
"In the last few years, they have been selling their best players which is not a good sign for the fans or the club," the 41-year-old said.
"If you want to attract players to Liverpool, they can look up who they bought and sold in the last few years and they sold their best players, which is not a good sign."
Liverpool received £49m for Sterling from Manchester City, a new transfer record for an English player, and Berger admits he was shocked by the amount paid for the 20-year-old England international.
"If he doesn't want to sign a new deal, such a great deal, then Liverpool did the right thing, they sold him for an unbelievable amount," Berger said.
"I think even £30m would probably be a good price, so to sell him for almost £50m is an amazing price and I think it's good business for Liverpool."
Berger has urged Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers to spend the money wisely, and said that it was now time to deliver silverware after three seasons without a trophy.
"Last year, they spent £100m and were in the middle of the table," he added.
"In Liverpool, as a manager, you have to win trophies and he didn't win anything in three years. The beginning of the season the games they are going to play, home and away, is quite tough, so it depends how they start the season.
"He is there now so I would give him a little bit more time."
