You are Kid-ding Me Raheem

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: Sylvain Distin of Everton competes with Raheem Sterling of Liverpool during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on October 28, 2012 in Liverpool, England.

If recent reports are to be believed, 17 year old wonder-kid Raheem Sterling has demanded a £50,000 a week deal at Liverpool. He has reportedly rejected a £25,000 a week deal contract extension.

Sterling joined Liverpool in February 2010 from Queens Park Rangers for an initial fee of £600,000. He was then signed up by then manager Rafa Benitez who also holds credit for bringing in Jonjo Shelvey and the much-decorated and promising Suso.

Raheem was handed his first team appearance by Kenny Dalglish when he came on as a substitute in the second half against Wigan Athletic last season. There was no looking back for this kid, who has now become a first team regular under present manager Brendan Rodgers. With his raw pace and presence of mind, Sterling has been successful in impressing a lot of football pundits including the England manager Roy Hodgson. Sterling has recently been called up in the senior side for the match against Sweden.

But these recent reports of Sterling demanding 50k/week are going to raise a lot of eyebrows inside the Liverpool management. Liverpool can easily pay more than that to him as there are paying 100k/week to a certain Joe Cole. But the question remains whether a 17-year-old deserves it or not. Ronaldo and Messi both earned half the amount when they were 17.

On the other hand, a few days ago, Suso signed a contract extension with Liverpool which will now earn him 22k/week. If Raheem is indulged, then I fear, a lot of other players can have the liberty to demand accordingly. Its time to see how the Liverpool management and Brendan Rodgers handle this situation.