Raheem Sterling informs Manchester City that he wants to leave the club this winter
It is no secret that Raheem Sterling has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester City and going by the looks of it, he is far off from being in the long-term sketch drawn by Pep Guardiola.
Sterling had been absolutely vital for Manchester City until a year and a half back when Phil Foden’s rapid growth pushed him down the pecking order. In fact, Sterling’s inclusion in the club’s maiden UEFA Champions League final was considered a surprise.
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Yes, that’s how bad the situation has become for the former Liverpool man.
Sterling has been constantly linked with a move to FC Barcelona in recent times and with the newly appointed Blaugrana boss in Xavi’s attacking game plan set to be dependent on pure wingers, Sterling is certainly an option that the former La Liga champions are considering.
Barcelona are said to be more than interested in Raheem Sterling and that has been the case since the past summer. However, it was more or less a one-sided affair with the player wanting to stay at City and fight for his place in the XI.
Sterling’s situation at the Etihad has not changed and it does not look like it will, anytime soon. Having said that, 90min understands that Sterling has informed Manchester City that he wants to join Barcelona on loan this winter, having been convinced that he is not in the long-term plans of the Barcelona boss.
City have been hesitant to part ways with the English star who is yet to reach his full potential and consequently, the reigning Premier League champions have been trying to tie him down to a long-term contract at the Etihad but Sterling, like any other player, wants to play and that hasn’t been possible for him this season.
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The 26-year-old has only made 11 appearances this season and it just shows how far he has fallen down the pecking order, with the likes of Foden and Grealish being preferred over him.
Barcelona have made it clear that if they are to make any more additions to their squad this winter, they will need to sell first. Having said that, Sterling is now open to a La Liga switch and the Blaugrana will hope to get their man in January by offloading players like Neto and Coutinho.