Reports claim that Raheem Sterling is open to leaving the club this summer as European superpowers weigh up a bid for England forward.
The Daily Telegraph claim England forward is intent on running his contract down and leaving for free in the summer of 2023 with Manchester City likely to sanction an acceptable bid should it be received this summer.
The two clubs that are rumoured to be the most interested are the two former Champions League winners, Chelsea and Real Madrid. Both clubs are interested in the 27-year-old to fill a right-wing position in their starting eleven and it is claimed that Sterling is now open to moving from Manchester.
There is also Bayern Munich should Sadio Mane’s transfer to the German giants collapse while Barcelona speculation has been muted purely on their dire financial powers at present. Paris Saint Germain, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are unlikely destinations.
It has been previously discussed by the man himself that he would be willing to leave England to seek football on the European continent with the two Spanish giants as the desired locations.
Factors for any departure
Despite starting 23 out of the 38 Premier League games last season, Sterling reportedly paused contract renewal talks in October to assess the situation following a lack of playing time concern. Used sparingly by Pep Guardiola this term as he shuffled his pack more so with the addition of Jack Grealish.
His starting position among the substitutes for both legs against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final would have irked the player especially as he felt he could have done better with the chances missed by Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden.
The signings of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez while the speculation of acquiring Bukayo Saka will inevitably push Sterling further towards the exit door, with the circling clubs willing to make him an important part of the first team prior to the World Cup campaign.
How much will he cost?
The most important question City will be asking suitors will be details regarding the opening bid. A bid for a four-time Premier League winner who has scored 131 goals in 339 games in all competitions across his seven seasons at City.
There is no doubt that Sterling with three years on his contract will reach a minimum of £70-80 million but one-year remaining will de-value that considerably. City asking for bids upward of £50million seems a little too much and unlikely out of the reach of Chelsea, considering they are prioritising defenders and Real Madrid.
A maximum value of £35-40 million seems good enough and achievable for the European elites, alongside a sizeable contract. A value that is dependent on goals and experience which the 75-capped international will guarantee at any club.
The Telegraph report also states that Raheem Sterling is ‘likely’ to issue an update on his future after completing international duty with England, finishing the round of Nations League fixtures against Italy on Saturday.
City fans waiting for bated breath to see whether Raheem Sterling will leave or remain one season minimum.