According to the Daily Mirror, Premier League champions Manchester City could be set to sell England winger Raheem Sterling this summer, as head coach Pep Guardiola attempts to reconfigure his squad.
Impressed at Euro 2020 after an underwhelming season
The Citizens would not be selling the 26-year-old on the evidence of his displays at Euro 2020. He was one of the key players for Gareth Southgate’s team as they made it to the final of the competition. However, his performances for England seemed to be far removed from his displays for City. The Kingston-born star seemed to play with far more freedom in an England shirt than he does for his club team.
Sterling started just 28 Premier League games last season, scoring ten goals and producing seven assists. Those are not awful numbers, but they do not compare well to season 2019/20 for example, he scored 20 goals in the English top-flight.
Maybe a move elsewhere could be good for Sterling. However, the problem is that many clubs seem to have money to spend. That is illustrated by the fact that the Citizens are attempting to sell the likes of Sterling to raise funds to strengthen their squad.
City looking at big-money targets
In previous summers, Manchester City have spent relatively freely to improve their squad. This summer seems to be different though, as not only have they had to compete with FFP, but also covid. Those obstacles are unlikely to stop Guardiola from attempting to target big-name signings.
The two names constantly touted with moves to City are Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and Tottenham’s Harry Kane. Both would be players that come with big transfer fees and wage packets. The latter has reportedly stated that he wishes to leave Spurs to win trophies. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is renowned for his ability to get the most money out of a buying team as possible. It will be highly difficult for City to sort a deal out for the England captain.
Grealish has stated on many occasions that he is happy at Villa. However, it would be hard for the England international to turn down a switch to the Citizens. Just like Kane, it would offer the mercurial star the chance to play at the highest level of the club game. Unless Villa improves dramatically next season, that is something that they can not offer for the foreseeable future.
Sterling could get back to his best next season
It is doubtful that the winger would be the first player that head coach Guardiola would want out the door. On paper, the England international is a player that would be attractive to buyers. However, in the current difficult financial climate for most clubs, it seems unlikely that many teams would be able to match Manchester City’s valuation of Raheem Sterling this summer.
After his performances at the European Championships, maybe Raheem Sterling could go back to Manchester City and once again play at the top of his game. If he does leave the Citizens, it will be interesting to see his next destination and if he can rediscover his top form at his next club.
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Will Raheem Sterling leave Manchester City this summer?
