How Barcelona could line up with Man City's Sterling
Martin Macdonald
- Updated: 21 Oct 2021 11:24 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona have made the acquisition of Raheem Sterling their number one priority for the upcoming January transfer window, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
Having started the 2021/22 season in underwhelming fashion under Ronald Koeman, the Blaugrana are desperate for squad reinforcements, particularly after the summer departures of Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann.
Barcelona are in a terrible state financially and so are predominantly shopping in the free transfer market currently, as shown by the signings of Memphis Depay, Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia, all of whom were out of contract.
The club are also looking at potential loan deals, and they believe they can take advantage of Sterling's uncertain situation at Man City to take him on a temporary basis until the end of the campaign.
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Previously a key player under Pep Guardiola, Sterling has dropped down the pecking order at the Etihad following the emergence of Phil Foden and especially the acquisition of Jack Grealish for £100 million.
Last week, the England international said he would be open to the idea of leaving Man City if it meant gaining more game time, even if it meant going abroad.
His comments only fuelled speculation about a potential switch to Barca.
So, if a loan deal were to happen, how might Barca line up?
Barcelona XI with Sterling
Marc-Andre ter Stegen will start in goal as he remains one of the best around.
Sergino Dest has made the right-back position his own, while Jordi Alba will always play on the left when fit.
Gerard Pique is the undisputed leader at the back and he will usually be partnered by Eric Garcia, though Ronald Araujo will be pressing a lot to become a regular starter.
Gavi has impressed since coming into the team despite his young age, but when everyone is fit Ronald Koeman will likely go for a midfield three of Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri for now.
Even though the absence of Messi naturally makes the Barcelona attack considerably weaker, they still have Memphis, Aguero, Luuk de Jong, Ansu Fati, Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele to choose from.
Should Sterling arrive, he will likely be deployed on the left wing which will see Memphis play up top and Fati on the right.
However, the three of them will largely be interchangeable as the trio can play in all three positions in the forward line.
