Is Raheem Sterling’s Man City future in doubt after losing spot to Phil Foden?

Stefan Bienkowski

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 5 min read

One of the most notable omissions from Manchester City’s impressive 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday night was Raheem Sterling. 

Pep Guardiola’s team buzzed with remarkable efficiency against a disjointed side that struggled without their star striker, Kylian Mbappe. 

Yet instead the hosts looked fresh and full of ideas as Kevin de Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden counter attacked and pulled apart a tired defensive line. 

READ MORE: Man City dominate PSG as Guardiola shows why he doesn’t need an Aguero replacement

In years gone by, that City attack may have been led by Sterling but this time around the England international was afforded just eight minutes of game time when he came on as a late substitute for Bernardo Silva. 

Indeed, Guardiola’s decision to drop the 26-year-old forward is becoming more and more prevalent in the City manager’s plans. 

Not only has Sterling started just one of City’s last five Champions League games but in two of them he didn’t even make it on as a substitute in the second half. Couple that with Guardiola’s decision to drop the forward in five of the club’s last 10 Premier League games and it suggests Sterling isn’t quite as irreplaceable as he once was. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Raheem Sterling x (@sterling7)

Could Sterling leave Manchester City this summer? 

With the emergence of Foden in Sterling’s preferred position and now seemingly in front of the older forward in the club’s pecking order, it seems as though this summer may be an ideal time for Sterling to move on and find another club that will put him front and centre of their plans. 

According to the Daily Star, Real Madrid had previously given up hope of convincing the England international to make the move to Spain but could now reignite their interest in Sterling after his recent spell out of the team. 

What may also play in Madrid’s favour is the fact that Sterling’s current deal is set to expire in 2023, which could mean that City will likely look to either cash in on the forward or look to extend his deal. 

However, if the forward doesn’t begin to improve his performances soon when he does get on the pitch for Guardiola’s side, Sterling may find himself on the transfer list at the end of the season.