Liverpool

John Barnes: 'Liverpool's Raheem Sterling not ready for big-money transfer'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 25 March 2015

John Barnes believes that Raheem Sterling is not ready to seal a big-money move away from Liverpool because it could go wrong for the youngster.

John Barnes believes that Raheem Sterling is in danger of fading into the background if he decides to leave Liverpool for a big-money move this summer.

The England international has a regular first-team spot in Brendan Rodgers's team, but the 20-year-old is yet to commit his future to the Merseyside outfit, despite lengthy negotiations.

Reports have claimed that Spanish big-hitters Real Madrid and Barcelona could be interested in Sterling, while Manchester City have been linked with a £50m move for the starlet.

"I would advise any young player who has just been in the game for a year or so to stay and learn his trade - show a level of consistently over a four or five-year period before you make a big move," Barnes told talkSPORT. "You will then be judged as a £50m player.

"We've seen it with Scott Sinclair and Jack Rodwell at Manchester City. Where are they now? Sterling is not ready for a move to Barcelona, Real Madrid or Manchester City. He needs another two or three years at Liverpool."

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes that Sterling is risking his relationship with the fans due to the ongoing saga.