Five possible clubs that Gerrard could join over the summer.
With news breaking that Steven Gerrard will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, speculation over where he could go next will be rife. Below, we’ve compiled the five most likely clubs that could take him on board.
SEE MORE:
Liverpool transfer news
Breaking: Steven Gerrard Confirms He’s Leaving Liverpool At End Of Season
Liverpool Roundup: Gerrard’s Shock Departure And Next Club, Reds Favourites To Sign Shaqiri And Rodgers’ Transfer Plans
LA Galaxy
Having already lost one veteran in the shape of Landon Donovan, the west coast giants will need another ‘old boy’ to keep up the supply line for Robbie Keane. The Galaxy are the closest thing Major League Soccer has to a dominant force, and more importantly they have the money and the experience of bringing in big names.
Galaxy will be the most likely suitors, as they will also be able to provide him with a lifestyle that will appeal greatly to Gerrard and his family. The standard of the football Stateside will also mean that he will be able to be the big fish for a few more years yet.
Manchester City
They’ve done it before, who’s to say they won’t do it again? Much like Gerrard, the football world had reluctantly accepted that Frank Lampard was a spent force at the top level, only for him to remind everybody that he is actually still a key component to a top club hungry for more success.
As Lampard (eventually) departs for the MLS at the end of the season, they’ll have the money and a space in their squad to prolong Gerrard’s stay in the Premier League. However, he may not want to leave his boyhood club in order to help hand another title to a rival side.
Celtic
Much like Roy Keane a decade ago, Celtic appeared to be an easy option for some quick success before hanging up the old boots. In Glasgow, Gerrard would most likely finally pick up a league winner’s medal and play in the Champions League one last time all whist running out to ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ every other week.
However, Glasgow is not Los Angeles, and Celtic’s own power has waned in recent years. There’s also a question of whether they would be able to afford him anymore. Scottish football’s decline over the last five years has been rapid, and the Hoops no longer offer the same appeal that they used to.
New York Red Bulls
Like the Galaxy, the Red Bulls have lost a veteran star of their own in Thierry Henry. Backed by the energy drink conglomerate, money won’t be an issue and the prospect of Gerrard lining up alongside Tim Cahill, despite their advancing years, is still an attractive thought.
Realistically, they are the only real contenders to snap him up ahead of the Galaxy in the United States, but they’ll need to act fast if they are to keep the goal scoring powerhouse that is Bradley Wright-Phillips in his incredible purple patch.
AC Milan
The Italians have often taken chances on bringing players to the club on the wrong side of 30. In recent years they’ve snapped up the likes of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Christian Vieri, Kaka, Andreiy Shevchenko, David Beckham and Fernando Torres – all to varying degrees of success.
As Filippo Inzaghi continues to rebuild his beleaguered side, having the influence of Gerrard in the dressing room could be invaluable. They have the funds, facilities and lifestyle to tempt him to Serie A, though like Celtic, their pulling power isn’t what it once was.