Barcelona are reportedly interested in a loan move for Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling, who is considering his future at the Etihad.
According to Spanish journalist Josep Capdevila, Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling has emerged as a transfer target for La Liga giants Barcelona, who are lining up a loan move for the Englishman in the summer.
Sterling has been with Manchester City since 2015 when he joined from rivals, Liverpool. The 27-year-old has grown into a top player during his time at the Etihad Stadium, establishing himself as one of the best in England and Europe. The former QPR forward enjoyed an impressive 2020/21 season and has improved his goal return this term, having netted 17 times from 46 games.
Sterling has become disappointed with how he has been used by manager Pep Guardiola, with the Manchester City manager overlooking the England international in crucial games this season. That, coupled with the arrival of Erling Haaland and the fact that his contract expires in 2023, has led to speculations over his future.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked heavily linked with a move for Sterling, while Barcelona have also expressed an interest. But, as per the latest report, the Catalans are only eyeing a loan deal for the 27-year-old Manchester City ace.
Barcelona will need at least one new wide forward in the summer transfer window as question marks persist over the future of Ousmane Dembele. The Frenchman has less than two months left on his contract with the club. Even though they are hopeful of extending his stay, nothing is set in stone yet, and the World Cup winner could leave on a Bosman deal.
Even if he stays, Barcelona are unlikely to sign Adama Traore on a permanent transfer, which would create a vacancy in the squad. Furthermore, Memphis Depay’s future at Camp Nou is far from certain, leaving room for a new wide attacker to arrive at the club in the summer.
While Raphinha of Leeds United is a priority, Barcelona could also do with a player of Sterling’s quality and versatility. The Manchester City forward has proven to be extremely productive in front of goal in the last three seasons. His ability to play across the frontline would make the England international a valuable addition at Camp Nou.
However, whether Manchester City would let him leave on loan in the summer when his current contract expires in 2023 will be a major question. Sterling has postponed contract talks until next month after England’s UEFA Nations League fixtures are out of the way. It will be interesting to see if a resolution over a new deal is reached or whether the forward decides to move on in the summer, with Barcelona interested.
