Transfer Centre

Phil Thompson: 'Raheem Sterling price good for Liverpool'

By Simon Sinclair, Reporter | 13 July 2015

Phil Thompson believes that Liverpool got a good deal for Raheem Sterling after they reportedly agreed to sell the winger to Manchester City for £49m.

Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson has claimed that the club have got a good price for winger Raheem Sterling from Manchester City.

City have agreed a reported £49m fee with the Reds for the England international after previously having two bids knocked back by Brendan Rodgers's men.

Thompson feels that Liverpool have done well to get a good deal for the 20-year-old, but he has slammed the behaviour of the winger and his agent Aidy Ward while attempting to secure the move.

He told Sky Sports News: "Liverpool have handled it well. They have a good price for him. Manchester City started out at £25m, which was laughable, but the club have done it right. Got the right money.

"Liverpool have done most things rights with the deal but you can't say the same thing about Raheem or his agent [Aidy Ward]. City are paying for potential. Raheem's had 13 or 14 assists in the three years and has scored something like 18 league goals.

"You need a little bit more than that. His finishing on the left side needs to be improved. Brendan Rodgers and his staff have done well in nurturing this young lad. His agent hasn't nurtured him in the same way the club has. Just hasn't been handled very well. He's certainly a good player but he's not a great player and that's why you won't find too many Liverpool fans shedding any tears for him."

Sterling made 35 appearances for the Reds in the Premier League last season, scoring seven goals.