John Barnes – Wrong Timing For Sterling’s Departure From Anfield

Raheem Sterling would be making a mistake if he leaves Liverpool at the end of the season, according to former Reds winger John Barnes.

The Liverpool forward is reportedly ready to tell the Merseyside club he wants to leave this summer.

Premier League side Arsenal and Manchester City are linked with a move for the 20-year-old, including a handful other clubs in Europe.

But Barnes, speaking on BBC Radio 5, said Sterling should wait to earn a name for himself at Liverpool and not jump on the ‘big club’ bandwagon as his chances of “becoming a regular” at a club like Man City are slim.

“Raheem has great potential, but Liverpool gave him an opportunity and he should stay,” said Barnes. “He has not achieved anything, he has not won anything.

“The time is not right for him to move, but if he wants to move the club should sell him.

Raheem Sterling and Mohammad Salah Tussles for the Ball at Anfield. (Getty Image)
Raheem Sterling and Mohammad Salah Tussles for the Ball at Anfield. (Getty Image)

“If he goes to Manchester City, to give himself a chance of winning the league, he will not become a regular for them. We have seen it with players in the past like Scot Sinclair.”

Sterling, who moved to Anfield from Queens Park Rangers in 2010, has scored seven goals and made seven assists for the club this season.

His current contract runs until 2017, but has said he wants to win titles and recently turned down a £100m-a-week new deal.

Liverpool have not won any trophy since their League Cup triumph in 2012 and will not play the Champions League next season.