Recent reports from Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo suggest that Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling is leaning towards the possibility of a loan move to Spanish giants Barcelona in a deal that includes a compulsory purchase option which would be triggered in the upcoming campaign.
The report further claims that the winger has rejected numerous offers for contract renewal at the Etihad as he has his heart set on a move to Camp Nou. However, Manchester City are hell-bent on dismissing any offer that comes in for the number 7 as they wish to keep him beyond 2023.
Sterling’s Incredible Career At The Etihad
Raheem Sterling signed for Manchester City from Liverpool in the summer of July 2015 for a fee in the region of £50million, and six years on, it’d be an understatement to say that he has been instrumental in the success that his club has achieved. With 115 goals and 88 assists in 302 games, he has helped his side win three Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and five Carabao Cups in the last seven years.
However, things haven’t clicked for the 26-year-old under Pep Guardiola in recent times. Sterling has managed to score just one goal in ten appearances across all competitions this term – quite the fall for someone who almost single-handedly carried his nation to the finals of the Euro Championship 2020.
There’s no doubt about the fact that he’s still an elite goalscorer, but on the club level, things don’t seem to be working out in his favour.
A Good Move For All The Parties Involved?
If the current run of form continues, Sterling should opt for a fresh start somewhere else. Aged 26, he still has plenty to offer, and given Barcelona’s lack of goal-scoring threat under Ronald Koeman, the England international should undoubtedly be the first name on their wishlist.
Furthermore, Pep Guardiola has some quality options to choose from when it comes to the left-wing department. Jack Grealish has had a fantastic start to his life at the Etihad, whereas Phil Foden is a world-class talent in the making. It’s not possible for the Spaniard to keep everyone happy, so letting Sterling go in January might be the best option after all.
The cash they receive could further help them recruit a new number 9 in the upcoming transfer window, which makes it a win-win situation for all the parties involved.
