With Manchester City still in contention for a first UEFA Champions League title, the Sky Blues have a few worries. City have to worry about the hot pursuit by Liverpool in their quest for another Premier League title. The Citizens are also concerned over a few vital players in the squad within a year of the expiration of their contracts.
Manchester City signed Jack Grealish last summer for a record £100 million, yet the forward has not lived up to the heavy outlay. The spotlight has not shone on him, but the England international has flopped this season. With this in mind, the reigning Premier League champions still want to bring in another high profile forward.
Manchester City have set their sights on Erling Haaland, and bookmakers have him well priced to move to the Etihad this summer. Regardless, they want to keep some of their key players. Fernandinho has already confirmed his return to Brazil at the end of the season. Riyad Mahrez, Ilkay Gundogan, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling are approaching the final year of their contracts. Unless these players renew their contracts, Manchester City would have to sell in the summer.
Raheem Sterling has remained coy on extending with Manchester City and might fancy a move from the Etihad.
Sterling is not giving anything away
With the pressure racking up over his future, Raheem Sterling has refused to give anything away concerning his immediate future. The England international has enjoyed a fruitful spell with the Sky Blues and looks ahead to a brighter future, but it could be away from Manchester City.
Sterling was asked about his contract situation ahead of Manchester City's Champions League encounter with Real Madrid, but the forward remained tight-lipped. Sterling's contract expires in 2023, with several links away from Etihad.
Perhaps, the pursuit of Erling Haaland is giving Sterling cold feet on renewing with the club. Manchester City are ahead of the queue as they try to sign the Norwegian striker to replace Sergio Aguero. Their efforts to sign Harry Kane last season faltered at the last moment.
Sterling momentarily happy at the Etihad
It has been a splendid season for Sterling. The England international is one of three Manchester City players to hit double figures for goals in the Premier League this season. The other two players are Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne. Despite Guardiola having several options in attack, it is a mean feat for Sterling.
Sterling has scored 14 goals from 41 appearances this season and remains a vital cog in the success of Manchester City since the arrival of Guardiola in 2016. He has three League titles, four Carabao Cups and an FA Cup to his name.
Raheem Sterling was close to being offloaded by the club last summer, but circumstances have changed, and the Sky Blues are keen to retain his services.
While refusing to divulge the status of his contract negotiations with the club, Sterling claims it would be selfish to speak of it at such a crucial time in the season.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
