Don't be foolish! Rodgers warning for Sterling as contract talks drag on

By Dominic King

PUBLISHED: 17:45 EST, 29 November 2012 | UPDATED: 17:45 EST, 29 November 2012

Brendan Rodgers has warned Raheem Sterling he would be foolish not to pledge his future to Liverpool as he reminded the winger of the chance he has been given.

The latest round of talks this week between Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre and Sterling’s advisors ended without a formal offer being made but Rodgers remains confident negotiations will reach a successful conclusion.

Premier League rules mean Sterling cannot sign a long-term contract until his 18th birthday – which is on December 8 – but, after the latest twist, some doubts have been raised as to whether Liverpool will reach an agreement to announce a deal on that date.

Friendly warning: Brendan Rodgers wants Raheem Sterling to commit to Liverpool

Friendly warning: Brendan Rodgers wants Raheem Sterling to commit to Liverpool

 

Rodgers has been adamant all along that Liverpool will not make Sterling a multi-millionaire overnight but there will be concerns that if talks stall, some of their rivals would be willing to pay lucrative terms.

'I think it is important for the club that we sign our young talents,' said Rodgers. 'But I think it is even more important for Raheem. This is a club that is going to give young players and opportunity.

'He has played more games than he could have dreamed of this season, both in the Premier League and the Europa League. Liverpool Football Club has given him the chance to become a full international player.

'So I would think if I am Raheem Sterling and his agents I would look to tie it up very quickly. This contract won’t be the biggest contract of his life. It is when he actually achieves something. What he has shown just now is fantastic potential.'

As yet there have been no official enquiries for the England international, who made his senior debut against Sweden earlier this month, but Rodgers has made it clear that Sterling should think long and hard about what is on offer for him at Anfield.

Flyer: Sterling has featured in all but one of Liverpool's Premier League games

Flyer: Sterling has featured in all but one of Liverpool's Premier League games

'His next contract and the one after that (will be the big ones),' said Rodgers. 'But this is Liverpool Football Club. If you are 17 years of age and you are playing regularly you would be very foolish not to commit yourself very quickly.

'I am confident it is something that will be sorted out very soon.'

Sterling has started 13 of Liverpool’s 14 Barclays Premier League games this season and Rodgers admitted that he will have to find a suitable point in the coming weeks to take him out of the firing line. The problem is, though, that Sterling has been one of Liverpool’s best players.

'He still has technical elements he needs to improve upon and tactical elements,' said Rodgers. 'But one of the biggest things is psychological at this level – real mental fatigue can set in. He's been terrific so far, one of our leading players. But at some point he will need that breather.' 

 

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Is it a prerequisite that everytime Rodgers says Liverpool he has to follow it with Football Club??

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Jah you have it all wrong. You can't a kid ludicrous money just yet. Yes he's good and is still learning but to much money to quick will stifle his ability and I'm talking mentally here. Imagine you were paid 50k a week at 18, you would go nuts . As BR said his next contract in 2-3 years is when he can make it. I think 20-30k a week is more than enough for him right now.

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Too much too young. But he's not the only one.

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17, 2 kids, trouble with the polis. Nice steady young man. Let him go and watch him pull a Torres

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It's an opportunity to make more money but also to play for a big club with a top manager

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Dude, u still young! Liverpool is a good place for u rite now. Let not money get to your head son!!

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if Carrol gets paid that much then this young man is worth over 100K

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Am I right in saying Raheem is worth £50k a week Anywere ?? If we don't pay it city / arsenal / Chelsea will . 2 kids aswell ?? He's a top gooser !!

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Way to go Brendan, I hope you pointed out that you took a pay cut to move from Swansea to Merseyside, as your career also "took off" along the same lines as Sterling's after a few good performances:)

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Can't pay him that much! Needs every penny to buy Ince back!!!!!!

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