Daniel Sturridge has turned down interest from across Europe and the US to seal a move to Turkish side Trabzonspor after a six-and-a-half-year spell at Liverpool.
Sturridge bid farewell to Anfield after his contract came to a close at the end of last season following 160 appearances and 68 goals.
The England international joined the Reds in 2013 from Chelsea, and while his first full season at the club saw him hit prolific heights alongside Luis Suarez, much of his career at the club was marred by a torrid run of injury.
Even when fit, the 29-year-old remained on the periphery of Jurgen Klopp’s plans with Liverpool’s attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane regularly locking up the positions up front.
He made just eight starts across all competitions last season and with the club not tabling a new deal, Sturridge was free to find himself a new home—with Turkey now awaiting the forward.
Trabzonspor’a ho? geldin @DanielSturridge! pic.twitter.com/GvpUZ3oVPA
— Trabzonspor Kulübü (@Trabzonspor) August 21, 2019
Sturridge has put pen to paper on an initial three-year deal at Super Lig side Trabzonspor, with confirmation of his move made public by the club on Wednesday.
Trabzonspor finished last season in fourth place to secure a Europa League qualifying spot, where only a two-legged tie against AEK Athens over the coming week now separates them from a spot in the group stage.
Sturridge’s new team only kicked off their 2019/20 season over the weekend, where they were forced to settle for a draw after initially taking the lead.
He will join former Chelsea team-mate John Obi Mikel and go head to head with Alexander Sorloth, who is on loan from Crystal Palace.
According to ESPN’s Melissa Reddy he did receive interest from Fenerbahce, MLS outfit D.C. United alongside various clubs in Qatar and La Liga.
While his chosen destination to ply his trade may come as a surprise, Sturridge still possesses a wealth of talent and Trabzonspor could provide him with the level of playing time he will no doubt be craving in the latter stages of his career.
Wishing you all the best, Daniel!
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