Real, Bayern or Chelsea: Who will sign Sterling this summer?
Suraj Radia
- Updated: 31 May 2022 23:08 BST
- 3 min read
Raheem Sterling could be set to leave Manchester City this summer, putting some of Europe's top sides on red alert to move for the England international.
Sterling is entering the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and is believed to be considering a new challenge after winning his fourth Premier League title with City.
The club are also looking to sell at least one forward following the arrivals of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, with Sterling and Gabriel Jesus believed to be the likely candidates to depart.
With Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea among the sides credited with an interest in Sterling, the 27-year-old has a big decision to make on his future.
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Sterling is understood to be searching for more consistent first-team football after only making 23 league starts under Pep Guardiola this season.
He reportedly wants to ensure he plays a meaningful role in a team competing for trophies in order to retain his place in the England squad for this year's World Cup.
However, any decision on his future may be put on hold until later in the summer due to his participation in England's Nation League fixtures.
City's reluctance to give Sterling assurances over his first team place has alerted sides of his availability on a potentially cut-price deal.
⏱️ Fewest minutes Raheem Sterling has played in a Premier League season for Manchester City:
1⃣ 2015/16 - 1928
2⃣ 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭/𝟮𝟮 - 𝟮𝟭𝟮𝟳
🤔 With just a year left to run on his current deal, should Sterling leave City this summer? pic.twitter.com/h6cmpSG6qn— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) May 31, 2022
Real Madrid are said to hold a strong interest in Sterling despite initially claiming they weren't looking for another forward following their failure to sign Kylian Mbappe.
Although the European Champions have the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in their squad, Sterling may offer a different and more proven option to their young stars.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are said to be the only English side with a realistic chance of signing Sterling and may prioritise him due to their need for a goalscoring forward.
Sterling has scored double digits in the league in his last five seasons and would be open to moving closer to his roots in London.
Bayern Munich are also keen on the winger but they would likely need to resolve the futures of Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry before they can move for Sterling.
Both players also have their deals expiring next summer while the German side are said to be prioritising Liverpool's Sadio Mane as a target.
It is also not a foregone conclusion that Sterling leaves City as Guardiola remains a huge fan of the player, however a new deal would likely have to be signed to avoid losing him for free next year.
