Tottenham Hotspur have been searching for an out-and-out back-up striker for some time now, but it is tricky finding someone to play second fiddle to Harry Kane.
Roberto Soldado couldn’t hack it at Spurs and Vincent Janssen looks like his legacy will be tarnished with the same brush. Fernando Llorente has done brilliantly, but age is not on his side.
However, the best way to convince a striker to play a back-up role could be to choose someone with few options.
Daniel Sturridge is to be released by Liverpool this summer after his contract expires, leaving him open to join another club on a free transfer.
While Sturridge has had injury problems in the past and hasn’t been a regular starter for some time, he does boast experience aplenty from his times with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Man City.
Ex-Spurs star Jamie O’Hara believes his old side should sign Sturridge up this summer (The Transfer Tavern on talkSPORT – June 8, 2019, 5:26 pm): “Daniel Sturridge is on a free. He could fit in across the front three which Spurs play, or a two, Sturridge and Harry Kane up front, if you are playing a diamond with two up front. If you can get him fit, he’s a great signing surely on a free contract.”
Spurs Web Opinion:
While I am not a fan of Sturridge and think he has been vastly overrated during his footballing career, I can see the clear benefits of this deal. As long as Spurs didn’t overpay on wages, they would be signing an experienced striker to act as a back-up to Harry Kane, as well as an impact sub. Depth and experience is something Spurs have lacked in recent seasons, so I could get on board with this deal.