Manchester City could soon lose Raheem Sterling as rumours suggest that the Three Lions star is willing to move out of Etihad. The Englishman was tipped to leave in the recent summer window but instead decided to stay back and fight for a spot on Guardiola’s side.
Despite having a successful run in the Euro 2020, the former Liverpool man was not guaranteed a starting place in the City XI. So far, in the ongoing season, the 26-year-old attacker has made seven league appearances for the Citizens, the majority of which came from the bench.
Recently, the English international spoke about his future at the Etihad. He went on to say :
"If there was the option to go somewhere else for more game time I would be open to it … 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."
Going by Sterling’s words, one can simply guess that the forward is not pleased with his current role at the club. Most importantly, lack of game time under Guardiola could soon force the City star to move away from Manchester. Clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona have been reportedly linked with a move for the attacker with the latter showing keen interest in a possible loan deal for the player this winter.
Although the absence of Ferran Torres could now open up a vacant spot for the Three Lions star. With the Spaniard set to remain on the sidelines until the end of November, Manchester City could look to slot in Sterling in the no.9 role for the next few weeks.
As of now, it looks like the 26-year-old attacker is definitely in favour of shifting base in the near future. Therefore, it could be the player’s last season at the Etihad, marking an end to his six-year association with the Sky Blues.
Coming back to Premier League, Manchester City are now scheduled to face Burnley on Saturday and hence Guardiola may look to hand in a start to Sterling against the Clarets.
Will Sterling leave Manchester City next summer?