January's Most Wanted: Sterling to Arsenal, Barca or Liverpool?
Stefan Bienkowski
- 10 Jan 2022 11:05 GMT
- 8 min read
Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling is one of the biggest players in the Premier League and one of the England national team’s most talented players.
However, despite such high acclaim, Sterling’s standing in Pep Guardiola’s squad is far from cemented and the player’s future remains in doubt.
So how likely is it that the pacy forward could end up leaving Man City in January and which clubs could be interested in signing him?
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What is Raheem Sterling’s transfer status?
Although City haven’t exactly said Sterling is for sale, the player and indeed his manager have made strong suggestions that a departure would suit all parties.
“If there was the option to go somewhere else for more game time I would be open to it,” said Sterling at the FT Business of Sport US summit in October.
“As an English player all I know is the Premier League and I’ve always thought: ‘You know, maybe one day I’d love to play abroad and see how I would come up against that challenge.’”
Similarly, Guardiola has suggested in the past that he wouldn’t stand in the way of Sterling leaving if the right kind of offer came in to offer the player more game time.
Having said all that, recent reports in England have suggested that the club may do a complete 180 and instead offer Sterling a new contract to commit his future to the English giants.
When does Raheem Sterling’s contract expire?
Raheem Sterling’s current contract at Man City is set to expire on June 30, 2023.
What clubs are interested in Raheem Sterling?
Over the course of the past few months, Sterling has found his name primarily linked with two clubs: Arsenal and Barcelona.
The London club have often found themselves linked with moves for players at England’s top sides that are no longer picking up enough game time. As such, Sterling is apparently a smart move for Arsenal.
Similarly, Barca’s apparent interest largely stems from the club desperately needing more firepower after the departure of Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann. The signing of Ferran Torres for a considerable amount of money probably rules out a move for Sterling anytime soon.
There have been sporadic suggestions that Sterling may make a return to Anfield, but the player’s wages and overall form would surely rule out Liverpool spending money on signing him.
Could Raheem Sterling leave in January?
There’s a distinct possibility that Arsenal could make a move for Sterling if other transfer targets don’t work out, but for the moment that seems highly unlikely.
Similarly, Barca could offer to loan the player if they aren’t able to bring in more attacking players. But it remains to be seen whether City would consider a loan move over simply cashing in on the player.
Could Raheem Sterling leave in the summer?
A summer move seems far more likely for Sterling, when the player will be able to properly consider his options and bigger clubs around Europe will have a better idea of their post-pandemic finances.
How old is Raheem Sterling?
Raheem Sterling was born on December 8, 1994 which makes him 27 years of age.
