Paul Merson slammed for “laughable” Leeds United, Raheem Sterling transfer claim | OneFootball

Leeds United have been told to steer clear of Raheem Sterling after Paul Merson suggested they should go for the on-loan Arsenal man.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Leeds United have been told to ‘stay far away’ from Raheem Sterling, after Paul Merson suggested they should sign on-loan Arsenal winger Raheem Sterling.

The England international joined the Gunners towards the end of the summer window last year after he had been frozen out at Chelsea, but he has struggled to make a positive impact at the Emirates Stadium.

Therefore, he is set to return to the Blues, although another move for the 30-year-old feels inevitable.

Paul Merson’s Raheem Sterling to Leeds United suggestion shut down

And, on that topic, Sky Sports pundit Merson claimed that Leeds should be in the market for Sterling, as he felt the former Man City title winner would bring quality and experience to the Whites’ dressing room.

Yet, when asked about the possibility of signing Sterling by FLW, fan pundit Ger made it clear that he feels it would be a terrible move by the newly-promoted club, as he insists they already have better players currently in Daniel Farke’s squad.

“Very honestly and abruptly, I think that’s a laughable link if I’m honest. Merson says some wild things from time to time, and that’s probably up there with them.

“Sterling has had a shocking season at Arsenal, he has zero form, he is getting older, and his pace has clearly gone - and he was a player that relied on pace! So he’s having problems attacking full-backs and getting past them.

“Leeds have better wingers right now than the current version of Sterling, so they shouldn’t touch him with a barge pole. I’d stay far away from a player who is on the slide in his career, and outside experience, he would have very little to offer.”

Leeds United don’t need Raheem Sterling for Premier League return

The importance of recruitment this summer can’t be overstated, as Leeds simply have to improve their squad if they are to survive in the Premier League.

So, they can’t afford to get much wrong, and there are too many risks that would come with Sterling, who is on a big salary and may not have the hunger to succeed like he once did.

Most importantly, it’s probably the last position Leeds need to strengthen, and if they do bring in a winger, it needs to be someone with a different profile to Sterling, as he is similar to Dan James, Wilfried Gnonto and Manor Solomon, who you would presume the club will try to sign permanently give how well he settled into the XI this season.

Some will argue that his experience will help, and if he gets anywhere near his best form he would obviously be a massive asset, but those who have seen him at Arsenal will struggle to say that will happen.

Given the size of the club, and the potential to grow, Leeds will be an attractive option to players in the summer, but they need to bring the right characters in to help them survive in the top-flight.