Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola sheds light on Sterling-Barcelona links
Raheem Sterling has been long-linked a move away from the club in recent months and there is one particular destination that is never ruled out when it comes to the 26-year-old’s future and it is Barcelona.
Even though the former La Liga champions’ current financial situation is as bad as it gets, Barca are tipped to be the favorites to sign the former Liverpool star with the player himself open to joining the club.
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The former La Liga champions are currently undergoing a complete overhaul with a new boss at the helm in Xavi Hernandes. The former Barca great is back to his boyhood club and is looking to take his struggling side to the top once again. Having said that, it is understood that pure and out-and-out wingers are an essential part of Xavi’s gameplan and the former midfielder has thus identified Raheem Sterling as a potential target.
Speaking about the Sterling-to-Barca links, City boss Pep Guardiola; who was present at the time of Xavi’s presentation at the Camp Nou addressed the rumours. The former Barcelona boss said:
"“Honestly I have no idea. I don’t know anything. Not that I would tell you anyway,”“If Barcelona are interested in any of our players, I am convinced that they can get them. Barca continues to be an attractive club, more than attractive. The city, the club, the history and this for the trainers, for the players always seduces a lot.”Source: MEN"
Raheem Sterling, in a recently concluded interview, revealed that he would be open to pastures new for regular playing time, even if means playing in Spain. With the current financial mess though, at the Camp Nou, it is almost impossible for the Blaugrana to sign the winger immediately. The Cules could go for a short-term loan with the option to buy at the end of the season though.
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The 26-year-old is contracted at the Etihad until 2023 but could leave the club in the coming months as it is quite evident that he has fallen down the pecking order since the second half of the last season. The likes of Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are currently above than Sterling in the City ranks and it is highly unlikely that the situation is going to change anytime soon.
With Sterling’s future throwing up numerous speculations including a possible swap-deal between Barcelona and Manchester City involving midfield sensation Frenkie De Jong, what do you see potentially happening?
Let us know.