Raheem Sterling is never far from controversy. The English international who had a fantastic time at the EURO's was the butt of discussions over his immediate future at Manchester City. Sterling does not command an automatic shirt anymore at the Etihad, and with what transpired during the summer, he may be on his way out of the club.
At the moment, everything is fuzzy, but clarity is expected soon. Whether Sterling stays or leaves, the 26-year-old will most likely do it on his terms.
Tough times for Sterling at the Etihad
Raheem Sterling has come under the stick many times over his delivery statistics. Several people believe that his delivery ratio is unbalanced.
As the 2020/21 season approached its end, Raheem Sterling was no longer among Guardiola's first-choice players. He lost favour at the club as he saw other players take up his role.
The wide forward used to be one of Pep's main men, but he saw his position drop from a regular to a bit-part player. It was ana the forward did not find tenable. Instead of getting regular games, he fell in Guardiola's pecking order as players like Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Mahrez and Gundogan got the nod over him in the top games.
Sterlingd seeing more games in the league, but the regularity of his appearance was due to the City already wrapping up the title and Pep's decision to give his trusted players rest with his focus on the Champions League.
This season has seen a continuation of last season, with Sterling meeting the same fate. Sterling has onlyd two of Manchester City's league games. Sterling's woes stem from Jack Grealish and Ferran Torres getting the nod over him. Grealish, who arrived for a British record of £100 million, has slotted into the team seamlessly, making life unbearable for Sterling.
An uncertain City future for Sterling
Fabrizio Romano spoke on his podcast on Tuesday, claiming that Manchester City were interested in selling Sterling if they had succeeded in bringing in Ronaldo.
Elaborating on his findings, he said it was a real option available to the club. Manchester City thought of selling Sterling to a club in Europe, but the failed Ronaldo bid scuppered the deal.
Romano still believes that Sterling's future at Manchester City is up in the air. He said if Sterling does not extend his contract by May, then the 2022 summer window could see him eventually leaving the club.
Manchester City also tried to use Sterling as a makeweight in the pursuit of Harry Kane in the summer. Sterling objected to thea of being used in such a manner. The thought shows how far down Sterling had dropped in the City pecking order.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
