Manchester City are set to make Raheem Sterling one of their highest paid players as they are reportedly going to open talks with the winger over a massive new £250,000 a week deal.
Sterling’s current contract runs till 2020 with the Englishman on a reported £170,000 a week right now, and will probably be expected to earn £50,000 more per week with other performance-related bonuses likely to take it up to £250,000.
2017/18 has been Sterling’s best season since his 2013/14 season with Liverpool. His 18 goals so far have been a magnificent return, with many being last-gasp winners or decisive goals, both in the Premier League as well as the Champions League.
He’s the club’s second highest scorer behind Aguero and has repaid the trust that Pep Guardiola put in him at the start of the season as he opted against using Sterling in a deal to get Sanchez at the Etihad. Hence it only makes sense to tie him down to a lucrative new contract.
Moreover, should Sterling extend, it would rule out any possible chances of Sterling leaving the club. Real Madrid were reportedly interested in Sterling’s signature right from his Liverpool days but put off by the asking price, opening the way for City to sign him untroubled.
It initially seemed to be an expensive signing for the Citizens but in the last few years, the English winger has proved his worth to the fullest and has established himself as a first-team player in the side.
However, with Madrid’s legendary talisman Cristiano Ronaldo looking like he has finally slowed down, Benzema’s consistent downfall from previously high standards and Bale’s injury issues, Florentino Perez might reignite his interest in Sterling, especially with Sterling having shown how good he can be. Hence the new contract will essentially ward off any potential suitors as well.
The £50m signing from Anfield was under heavy scrutiny due to his initial inconsistent seasons but he’s really come into his own and proving worth the heavy investment. With Pep’s men flying high, due credit must be given to Sterling for stepping up his game and becoming a key member of City’s domination.
He’s completely absorbed Pep’s philosophy and the manager’s methods have definitely been vital in improving Sterling’s game. With a significant increase in his contribution to the team both in terms of the style of play and the end product, it is a wise decision to offer a contract to a player who looks set to become a top-class player in the future.
