Liverpool finished the season as European champions. However, one of the Reds cup-winning squad Daniel Sturridge is set to leave the Merseysider’s this summer when his contract expires. The 29-year-old’s exit will come as little surprise, as the England international has spent much of the last few seasons playing a fringe role for the Reds.

The former Chelsea striker was always fighting a losing battle for a starting place in attack against Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. Sturridge scored 67 goals in 160 appearances for the club after joining from Chelsea in 2013.

Back to fitness after an injury-prone Reds career

Sturridge has been back to full fitness this season. The forward spent the previous few seasons plagued by injury, which affected his development and also hampered his chances of playing regular football with Liverpool.

His injury problems must have been so frustrating for the striker. The fans certainly seemed frustrated by the forward’s injury troubles. The frustration stemmed from the fact that Sturridge is such a natural born finisher, who when on his day is so sharp.

A top striker on his day

Daniel Sturridge seems to be a player who has failed to fulfil his ability at the top-level of the game. Those aforementioned injury problems have prevented him from becoming a top Premier League striker.

Sturridge at one stage was regarded as England’s first choice striker. In fact, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has stated that he believes that Sturridge is one of the best finishers that he has ever seen in the game.

Even though he has not been first-choice for Liverpool this season, he has scored some crucial goals, including a vital effort early in the Champions League campaign against PSG. The 29-year-old certainly has the knack of finding the net.

Where will Sturridge be plying his trade next season?

With no fee involved, Daniel Sturridge could well prove an attractive prospect for a lot of clubs. He may be on big wages, but his ability to find the net is likely going to be enough to persuade someone to take a chance on the striker.

His injury history may put some off, although the fact he was pretty much injury-free last season suggests he may have shaken off the niggling injury problems.

A number of midtable Premier League clubs are being linked with moves for the striker, including Leicester and West Ham. The Foxes are favourites to sign Sturridge this summer, though, as boss Brendan Rodgers worked with the striker at Liverpool.

The 29-year-old produced the most prolific campaign of his career under Rodgers at Anfield, as the Reds finished second in the top-flight table. Sturridge may be keen on a reunion with the Northern Irishman.

There is still time for Daniel Sturridge to make a big impact on the Premier League. His injury problems and lack of opportunities on Merseyside have stopped him from becoming the player that many thought he would.

This summer gives Sturridge a possible final chance to enjoy regular first-team football at the top level. It will be highly interesting to see who nabs his signature and how the striker performs next season.

Where will Daniel Sturridge be playing next season?