Sterling to Real Madrid? England star's not fooling anyone with Euro 2020 form

James Shearman

7 Jul 2021 14:57 BST
3 min read

© ProShots - Raheem Sterling, Manchester City

Manchester City star Raheem Sterling has shone in England's pursuit of European Championship glory, but has it tempted the continent's elite club sides to make a move?

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Well, according to the Athletic, Real Madrid have been impressed by the 26-year-old's performances and are considering him as an option to bolster head coach Carlo Ancelotti's ageing squad.

Sterling has registered three goals and an assist in England's five matches at Euro 2020, and is on course to make the team of the tournament on its conclusion later this week.

His fine form has kept fellow Premier League stars Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford out of the side in the left-wing position, as it appears he has become manager Gareth Southgate's go-to man.

This dramatic turnaround, after an underwhelming season at Manchester City, is what has caught the attention of Los Blancos.

Sterling's going nowhere

Madrid simply don't have the funds to poach talent from the Premier League's top clubs anymore, but even if they did, it wouldn't be Sterling.

The Wembley-born forward is an excellent player, but there have always been question marks over his finishing ability.

Because although his record may suggest otherwise, there have been several unconvincing moments in front of goal that the famously critical Madrid fans would not have tolerated.

If they can boo Cristiano Ronaldo, Sterling would most likely be on the receiving end of much discontent at Santiago Bernabeu.

Raheem Sterling has been involved in 22 goals in his last 21 apps for England (15 goals, 7 assists). In his first 45 caps, he managed just 11 goal involvements.

He's become a vital player for #ENG, but who will be key for both teams in #ENGDEN tonight?

We look at 6 of them. ⬇️
— The Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) July 7, 2021

So while he can continue to produce on the international stage, as the Three Lions take on Denmark in the semi-final of Euro 2020, the Spanish giants won't come knocking - not now, at least.

New contract?

Sterling scored just 10 Premier League goals last season, his lowest tally since the 2016/17 campaign.

He also reportedly fell out with boss Pep Guardiola back in April, leading to rumours that his time with the Citizens may be up.

However, the club are now reportedly willing to hand the England international a new contract once the European Championship is finished.

This could be because summer targets Grealish and Harry Kane are unlikely to move to the Etihad with Aston Villa and Tottenham, respectively, pricing potential bidders out of a move for their respective talismen.