Barcelona have reportedly turned their attention towards 26-year-old English international Raheem Sterling, who could leave Manchester City this summer.
According to Catalunya Radio journalist Tot Costa, Barcelona’s quest for to bolster their attacking department in the summer transfer window has once again taken them to Manchester City, where 26-year-old English international Raheem Sterling has emerged as a target for them.
Raheem Sterling joined Manchester City from Liverpool in a controversial switch in the summer of 2015. However, the move has done wonders for his career, with the player being a pivotal figure in most of the trophy-winning campaigns for the Citizen. 2020/21, though, was a difficult season for him, even though he managed a decent enough return of 14 goals and 12 assists in 49 outings.
His inconsistent performances forced Pep Guardiola to reduce his role at City, although it hardly affected his standing for the English national side, as Sterling was one of their most important players in a memorable 2020/21 campaign. However, heading into the summer transfer window, the 26-year-old faces an uncertain future at Manchester City, with Barcelona interested in him.
Barcelona have already signed two players from Manchester City this summer, with Eric Garcia and Sergio Aguero arriving at Camp Nou. Apart from Aguero, the attack has also been bolstered by the addition of Memphis Depay. At the same time, though, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele face an uncertain future at Barcelona while Francisco Trincao has joined Wolves on loan.
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If both Griezmann and Dembele end up getting offloaded, a third attacking signing of the summer will be necessary, and Sterling is a viable target to that end. Meanwhile, in addition to Sterling, Riyad Mahrez is another Manchester City forward that Barcelona are considering this summer.
However, the operation to sign the Manchester City players is complicated and their poor financial condition could force Barcelona to end their interest in Sterling and the other City stars as quickly as they ignited it in the first place. Therefore, it will be prudent for the Blaugrana to identify alternatives for the 26-year-old.
To that end, Lorenzo Insigne is one of the targets for Barcelona this summer, with the Napoli captain likely to be a cheaper option. As for Sterling, he might well be on the exit trail at Manchester City, but his next destination is unlikely to be Barcelona.
