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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp backed to have one key doubt about Raheem Sterling transfer
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been backed to have one major doubt about signing Raheem Sterling from Manchester City in the summer transfer window.
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Raheem Sterling recently hinted at a possible return to Liverpool in the future but while the Manchester City winger could win over fans with his performances, boss Jurgen Klopp could have doubts about such a transfer disrupting the harmony of his squad. That is the view of former England and Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips.
Sterling addressed the possibility of a return to Anfield during a recent question and answer session on Instagram.
The 25-year-old left the Reds to join City in 2015 for £49million in a move that not only angered fans but also "disappointed" former club captain Steven Gerrard.
Since joining City Sterling has scored 89 goals and provided 72 assists in 230 appearances for the club in all competitions.
In addition to this, the winger has helped the Citizens lift two Premier League titles as well as an FA Cup and three League Cups.
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However, Phillips questions if Klopp would want to potentially risk unsettling his squad if Sterling was to return.
"I just question whether Klopp would want all of the hoorah that comes with it," Phillips told Football Insider.
"They have got a settled bunch there.”
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However, Phillips also thinks Sterling could still return to Liverpool and win over the fans if he brought his goal-scoring form to Anfield.
“Football is football," he said.
"If Sterling went to Liverpool at the end of this season there would be a lot of people disappointed and angry on both sides but if he tore it up in the first two months it would all get forgotten. Believe me.
“I had a smaller version when I went from Villa to Birmingham. On my debut, I scored the winning goal against Sheffield United and it never got spoken about again.
"People soon forget as long as you start producing for your new side.
“It is interesting comments but it would take a hell of a lot of money to get him out of Man City."
Sterling's return would likely only be considered if Sadio Mane or Mohamed Salah left the club, but Real Madrid have expressed an interest in the Senegal international.
As for Sterling leaving City, the prospect of missing out on European club football for two seasons could become a factor.
City were issued with the ban after being found to have committed "serious breaches" of Uefa's financial fair play regulations, however, the club have not only denied the allegations but have also appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.