With the future of Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling still up in the air after contract negotiations hit an impasse, we look at where the 20-year-old could end up should he leave Anfield.
Manchester City
City could certainly benefit from having another English player on their books – especially as they could be losing the out-of-contract James Milner – and they would be able to afford both the fee and also the salary Sterling reportedly wants as well as offering Champions League football and the chance of regular silverware.
Arsenal
Get it done early Arsenal. #sterling
— wearethenorthbank (@northbanklower) May 18, 2015
The Gunners’ style of football would suit Sterling, and a return to the city he called home as a young boy may well appeal, as would playing in the Champions League. Arsene Wenger has the transfer kitty to be able to pay top price for a promising youngster, although the 20-year-old’s £150,000-a-week wage demands may cause some consternation among some of the established players within the Emirates dressing room.
Chelsea
Playing for Jose Mourinho guarantees trophies, providing you can handle the demands the Portuguese manager places on his flair players. Again, transfer fee and wages would not be a problem and it would offer Sterling a chance to return to his old stomping ground in the capital, having grown up in the Wembley area and attended QPR’s academy in west London.
Bayern Munich
According to Sport1 , Sterling will join Bayern in the summer ( via @FCBayern_France ) pic.twitter.com/fr2nxQLMuU
— Ali (@_BayernFanatic) May 19, 2015
The Bundesliga champions were linked with Sterling back in December and they have since lost flying wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery to injuries, which contributed to their Champions League semi-final exit. Pep Guardiola’s reputation, particularly the way he coached Lionel Messi at Barcelona, would be a huge attraction.
Real Madrid
The Spanish giants have made a habit of buying up not only the best players but those who have become fashionable. Sterling’s performances this season do not qualify him in either category but Real do also take gambles on unfulfilled potential – such as their signing of 16-year-old Martin Odegaard in January. However, having witnessed Gareth Bale’s experiences this season Sterling – who has complained about media attention – may be reluctant to put himself through that.
Source: SNAPPA
