Where next for Raheem Sterling? Barcelona, Arsenal or even a return to Liverpool among the options
- Graeme Bailey
- 3 June 2022
Raheem Sterling’s contract at Manchester City expires in 2023 but there are plenty of signs that he could be on his way before then. Graeme Bailey assesses his options.
One of the big moves of the summer could very well be one of England's leading lights in the shape of Raheem Sterling.
The Manchester City forward has just 12 months left on his current deal, and as it stands there are no signs he will sign a new contract.
Sterling enjoyed a brilliant European Championship only to find himself on the bench at City. And although he went on to play a significant part in City's Premier League title defence, he was not always starting.
If he does not sign, City are ready to move him on - but where will Sterling go? Planet Sport assesses the options.
Barcelona
Barcelona are confirmed admirers of the player as they looked at him in January, and Sterling wanted to leave then to move to Catalunya.
Barca are set to move on Ousmane Dembele, Adama Traore, Memphis Depay and Martin Braithwaite, so there is sure to be room for Sterling.
The club has a rich history of British forwards, with the likes of Steve Archibald, Gary Lineker and Mark Hughes having been there in the past. Sterling could certainly be added to that illustrious list.
Gary Lineker for Barcelona pic.twitter.com/4Q7EoKAkX7
— Vintage Football Shirts (@VFshirts) March 20, 2022
Real Madrid
Having missed out on landing Kylian Mbappe, it is safe to assume they still want a striker.
Could Sterling be the man who comes in? Don't rule it out. Sterling may not be at Mbappe's level but he is a world star and will adapt well to life in the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid
Should Sterling want to sample life in the Spanish capital, then why not Atletico?
Luis Suarez is leaving the club this summer. With a vacancy to fill, the chance to play alongside the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Joao Felix could appeal.
AC Milan
Milan are about to be taken over by new owners, who are sure to come with deep pockets.
They already have Brazilian Rafael Leao but they could add another big name and Sterling could very well be that man. Don't be surprised if their name gets mentioned.
Bayern Munich
Few teams are in the news more than Bayern Munich at the moment.
With Robert Lewandowski wanting out, new forwards are set to be flavour of the month at the Allianz Arena.
Sadio Mane from Liverpool is the man who has been linked but Sterling could still appeal to the German giants and he would present an interesting option.
Arsenal
A move back to London for the former Queens Park Rangers man is also a possibility and with Mikel Arteta enjoying a warm relationship with Pep Guardiola and Man City, this represents the most feasible capital option.
The Gunners are in desperate need of new forwards and Sterling would tick so many boxes.
Chelsea
Romelu Lukaku didn't work and looks set to return to Inter Milan, while Timo Werner has been a bust.
Chelsea need help and their new owners should provide funds. There are not too many forwards around, so Sterling would surely be in their sights, although a move to a title rival looks unlikely.
Liverpool
Nine years ago today, a 17-year-old Raheem Sterling made his professional debut for Liverpool 👶
— GOAL (@goal) March 24, 2021
What a player he's become 👏 pic.twitter.com/RlsWfT2mgm
It couldn't happen could it?
Sadio Mane leaves and Mo Salah refuses to sign a new contract, allowing Liverpool to snap up a player who turned his back on them in the most acrimonious of circumstances.
The world of football is a very strange place, but possibly not this strange.
