Brendan Rodgers: Liverpool Contract Offer To Raheem Sterling 'Incredible'

Brendan Rodgers hopes money won’t hinder Raheem Sterling’s development at Liverpool — that is, if and when the striker decides to cash in on his considerable talent.

Rodgers discussed the Sterling contract negotiations Monday, describing Liverpool’s latest offer as “incredible,” according to the Liverpool Echo, the Guardian and the BBC. Sterling hasn’t signed the new deal yet, as many expected he would have by now, and Rodgers said the club isn’t willing to pay over the odds to secure the young star’s services.

“What the club has offered is an incredible deal for a young player,” Rodgers said at his pregame press conference ahead of Tuesday’s game against Tottenham. “I have spoken to Raheem a number of times. He is very happy here and you see that in his game. What he has been granted at this football club is an opportunity. We see that with lots of young players they are getting the opportunity to play here and they get rewarded for that.

“But we are certainly not a club that is going to give out way, way above what a player is worth at a certain time of his career. It is not a case of giving any player, and I am talking generally here rather than just Raheem, what they want. We want to reward our best talents, they are a big part of our future, and we are confident that will all be handled and resolved soon.”

Sterling’s current contract expires in 2017, and Liverpool is keen to sign him to fresh terms, which could tie him to the club through 2019-20 and fend off reported interest from the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

Sterling is stalling on signing a new contract, but it hasn’t negatively affected his play. Sterling has been Liverpool’s best attacking player this season, scoring nine goals in 35 games from a variety of positions.

Liverpool’s latest offer reflects Sterling’s status as one of European soccer’s top young talents, according to Rodgers. Reds fans everywhere hope Sterling fulfills his promise at Anfield, regardless of how much he earns.