City set to offer new contract deal for one of the best English playmakers in recent times
By Akhil Prasad
Raheem Sterling’s rise to the top of Premier League glory has been gradual and expected, given his immense talent to charge at defenses with unfettered incisiveness and capitalize errors on a whim.
The former Liverpool man may have lost his place as a starter in Pep Guardiola’s books this season, but the club remains firm on offering him a new contract as the season comes to a close, according to reports from The Telegraph.
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The outlet reported last month that he would prefer to wait out until the end of the season before negotiating any further deals.
Sterling’s contract with Manchester City ends on 30 June 2023. With two more years left on his contract, he is not short of admirers to lure him away from the Etihad – Real Madrid are said to have expressed keen interest in the playmaker.
He has a reported weekly package of £200,000-a-week until 2023 and with a transfer market value in the range of €100m, Sterling will not come cheap for any potential suitors.
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder has had a rather disappointing season at the Etihad so far, although City’s fortunes have been different altogether – regaining Premier League glory and largely in contention to lift their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy at the end of May.
He has lost his starting place to breakthrough youngster Phil Foden and ex-Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez, whose performances have been outstanding for the Citizens.
On the back of Sergio Aguero’s departure at the end of the season, Guardiola has a priority in his hands to sign a striker in the upcoming transfer window. The club will hope to extend Sterling’s stay, which will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in maintaining balance in the attacking half for the Spanish tactician.
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He has 14 goals and 11 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions so far. The Englishman’s numbers this season are certainly not sub-par, but they do lack the prolific manner in which he has excelled for City over the past couple of seasons.