Reports: Steven Gerrard in line for shock return to Anfield
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard might make a sensational return to his boyhood club Liverpool after talks with manager Jurgen Klopp as per reports in the Independent. The media was abuzz with rumours of the former Reds icon’s return to his old stomping ground from current club Los Angeles Galaxy of the MLS.
It has been reported that Klopp has had several rounds of talks with Gerrard over the telephone since his arrival at Anfield last month after he was brought in to replace former manager Brendon Rodgers. The German firmly believes that Steven Gerrard’s presence at Melwood, Liverpool’s training facility, will instil the level of commitment and professionalism that he wants to imbibe at the club.
Klopp has so far talked about the former England captain training with the club until the 15th of January after which he has to report for duty in the United States with the Los Angeles-based club. But it has been understood that there is a possibility that a playing deal could be brokered with the MLS franchise along the likes of the one with David Beckham, who twice went on loan to AC Milan from LA Galaxy.
However, it is also understood that the La Galaxy are reluctant to sanction any such deal. Also, the possibility of the deal coming through could be hampered by demands of a transfer fee since Gerrard still has a year left on his contract with the club.
Gerrard’s spell in the MLS has been ordinary at best so far
Gerrard is scheduled to land in London on Wednesday morning following an overnight flight from California. His MLS season finished in disappointment last week when Galaxy were eliminated in the competition’s playoffs by Seattle Sounders.
Gerrard career in the MLS has not gone according to expectations so far. He has scored just twice in 14 appearances for Galaxy, having joined halfway through the 2015 campaign. Before returning to England, he met with the club’s coach, Bruce Arena, on Monday and they discussed his future, with potential targets in the transfer market being high on the agenda.
Gerrard, 35, is rumoured to take advice from friends, family and trusted colleagues within football before deciding whether it is appropriate to get involved at Liverpool again, even if it is just for training.
Meanwhile, Gerrard’s failure to refute this particular rumour will have boosted the hopes of Liverpool fans around the world who will want to see their beloved ‘Stevie G’ donning the famous Reds’ jersey once again.