Raheem Sterling is reportedly ready to leave Manchester City as a free agent when his contract expires in 2023, with both parties yet to agree to an extension.
According to Football Insider, Raheem Sterling could be eyeing a Bosman move in 2023 when his Manchester City contract expires, after failing to agree on an extension with the club. There is widespread interest in the services of the English forward, although the Premier League club’s asking price could ward off possible suitors this summer.
Raheem Sterling moved to Manchester City amid controversial circumstances back in the summer of 2015. The winger had entered the final year of his Liverpool contract during that period, and the Reds were resigned to cashing in on him.
Manchester City paid £49 million to land Sterling from Liverpool, and the English international has been successful at the Etihad. Sterling has made 332 appearances for the club, scoring 128 goals and notching 93 assists.
Sterling was understandably put up for sale last summer after the club splurged £100 million on Jack Grealish, which many expected to restrict his game time. However, with the former Aston Villa captain being underwhelming, the 27-year-old has made 40 appearances and scored 14 goals this term.
Manchester City had opened preliminary talks with his agent a few months ago, and they have not yet agreed on an extension. The situation leaves Sterling entering his final year and at risk of being sold in the summer. The English international is not in a hurry to depart the Etihad and could see out the last year of his contract.
Sterling is reportedly ready to leave Manchester City as a free agent in 2023 while expecting a host of clubs to show their interest in signing him. There are many top clubs lining up a potential move in the upcoming window, with Liverpool urged to re-sign the winger.
Newcastle United may also be interested in a big move if Sterling was up for sale. However, outside the Premier League, the interest comes from Serie A, with the likes of AC Milan showing keenness to bring Sterling to San Siro.
Barcelona have also retained their interest in Sterling, despite signing Adama Traore on loan in January. If Sterling becomes available, the Catalans could withdraw their option to sign the Spanish international permanently and lend their focus on bringing the England international to Camp Nou.
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Manchester City are still hoping to sit down and resume talks with Sterling, although they could risk losing him as a free agent in 2023 if they do not meet his demands. The English attacker will be 28 by the time his current deal expires, and he could still land a good contract elsewhere.