Real Madrid reportedly missed out on signing Chelsea ace Raheem Sterling from Manchester City in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish publication AS, Raheem Sterling could have joined Real Madrid in the summer transfer window. Los Blancos wanted to sign the Chelsea attacker from Manchester City but could not pursue him as the non-EU slots were not vacant.
Raheem Sterling has established himself as one of the most enterprising attackers in Europe in the past decade. The English international rose to prominence at Liverpool FC before skyrocketing in stature at Manchester City. And his stint with City saw him add new facets to his game, with Pep Guardiola’s influence benefitting him immensely.
The 27-year-old joined Chelsea from Manchester City this past summer. But he has endured a difficult 2022/23 campaign thus far, failing to be prolific in the final third. Sterling has a sub-par tally of four goals and two assists in 16 appearances. And the Chelsea attacker is currently in the middle of a goal drought spanning nearly six weeks.
But Sterling remains a pivotal figure for Chelsea, with Graham Potter hoping to bring the best out of him. But according to AS, Sterling could have been plying his trade for Real Madrid had things gone right for Los Blancos. But the Merengues missed out on signing the Englishman as there were no vacancies in the non-EU slots.
Eder Militao, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo Goes occupied the three designated non-EU slots in the summer. But the Brazilian trio has obtained dual citizenship, thus freeing up the spots. Meanwhile, in addition to Sterling, Gabriel Jesus was also on Real Madrid’s radar but could not move to the Santiago Bernabeu due to the same issue.
Jesus remains a target for Real Madrid, but prising him away from Arsenal in 2023 will be a tall order. Meanwhile, the reigning La Liga champions hope to fill one of the vacant non-EU slots by signing Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.
Recent reports have claimed that the Merengues are the front-runners to sign the English midfielder. As for Sterling, the Chelsea attacker is no longer on Real Madrid’s radar. But it will be interesting to see if his performances improve at Stamford Bridge as the season progresses.
