Raheem Sterling continues to be talked about in the media amid uncertainty over his Manchester City future, but the latest claims from 90min suggest the 26-year-old wants out in January. Sterling is believed to have told Pep Guardiola he ‘wants a loan move in January’ as Barcelona are showing an ‘interest’, but it remains to be seen if he’ll be granted a temporary departure.
The England international has made 15 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring two goals with two assists. Sterling has amassed only 700 minutes of playing time, however, as he’s no longer a regular in the starting lineup. It’s why the City forward is considering his options and why contract talks fell through.
Sterling’s existing deal is up in 2023, so City only have the winter transfer window and summer transfer window to get maximum value from his sale. Otherwise they risk losing the 26-year-old for nothing in the next 18 months if they can’t tie him down to a contract extension. Barcelona are keen to provide Sterling an escape rope, but there’s no incentive for City to loan him out.
Guardiola has still used Sterling frequently, albeit more from the bench, so he won’t let a useful player leave without having a replacement.
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