Manchester City make key decisions ahead of the winter window
Manchester City are tipped to be a part of a busy winter window, despite the Cityzens’ reluctance to spend any money mid-season. The defending Premier League champions currently lack an out-and-out striker and thus the Sky Blues were heavily tipped to launch a massive bid for Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, to get ahead of the race for his signature which will get underway next summer when his release clause gets activated.
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Haaland’s contract carries a release clause worth €75 million and it will be activated next summer, thus prompting the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich, who are said to be interested in landing the 21-year-old striker.
HITC understands that Manchester City are unlikely to launch any bid for Haaland this January and will only go for him at the end of the season. The Cityzens are confident about their chances of landing the Norwegian talent.
Having said that, Raheem Sterling, who has established himself as one of the key players in the City setup over the past few years will not be allowed to leave in the winter despite the heavy interest shown by FC Barcelona, the source suggests.
Barcelona’s interest in Sterling is well known with Xavi Hernandez said to prefer pure wingers such as Sterling to help his side launch creative attacking plays.
Sterling has been pushed down the pecking order at Manchester City with the likes of Phil Foden and Jack Grealish being given chances over him. The 26-year-old has been inconsistent in the Sky Blue colors in 2021 and that has forced Pep Guardiola to turn towards Phil Foden.
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While Sterling did score against Everton in his 12th appearance of the season, taking his tally to 2 goals this season, it is unlikely that he will be the man that Pep turns to when Jack Grealish returns from his injury. Sterling played in the right flank against Everton even though Pep Guardiola has trusted Riyad Mahrez to do the job in that position this season.
Manchester City are looking for all-round depth in their squad and want Sterling to fight for his place in the XI as that will invariably make him a much better player.
For now, though, it is looking increasingly unlikely that we will see Sterling leave the club this winter or Haaland play in the Sky Blue colors.