Raheem Sterling could leave Manchester City this summer amid interest from Chelsea, but Pep Guardiola isn’t the type of manager to consider an internal solution to a departure.
The 51-year-old signed Kalvin Phillips to replace Fernandinho, offloading the promising Romeo Lavia, and he’s loaned out Taylor Harwood-Bellis rather than develop him at the club amid uncertainty over Nathan Ake’s future.
But Guardiola might have a youngster who’s ready to step into the shoes of Sterling – Cole Palmer. The 20-year-old has scored 20 goals with eight assists from 32 games for the U18s, made three appearances for the U19s and scored 21 goals with 10 assists from 28 games for the U23s, so he knows where the back of the net is.
Palmer has featured 13 times at senior level, scoring three goals with one assist, so he’s caught his manager’s attention. The England U21 international is able to play on both flanks as well as centrally, like Phil Foden, so he would be a useful player to Guardiola.
Palmer was only left out of the matchday squad last season due to a foot injury, so he’s developing well enough to be a first-team mainstay. The 20-year-old needs more playing time in 2022/23 and reports suggest he may get it.
Gabriel Jesus’ move to Arsenal leaves Guardiola one forward short, but he may not need to sign a Sterling replacement if Palmer makes the step up.
In other news, Man City must sell out-of-favour Arijanet Muric after disappointing seven-year stint
Definitely give Cole Palmer a chance. He’s skilful and inventive and would be an upgrade from Sterling.