Raheem Sterling to Chelsea: Why the transfer could be bad news for Barcelona
Paul Macdonald
- 20 Jun 2022 08:23 BST
- 3 min read
If Raheem Sterling is indeed going to move to Chelsea from Manchester City, the deal could have wide ramifications for Barcelona's planned transfer business.
Sterling has been targeted by Chelsea as part of their rebuilding, with a €40 million bid being tabled for a player who will be out of contract in 2023, and who City are looking to cash in on.
But how will it impact Barcelona, and to what degree?
Barcelona's bid for Bernardo Silva
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has identified that Manchester City's Bernardo Silva could be a key transfer for the next iteration of his team.
Coach Xavi is known to be a fan of Silva and sees him as the type of experienced player who could compliment the likes of Pedri and Gavi in central midfield.
Chelsea are in talks to sign Raheem Sterling from Man City for €40m 👀
How far could this team go next season? Premier League title contenders? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/y2IcOv9d9k— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) June 19, 2022
And indeed, Bernardo appeared as though a move away from City was on the cards last summer; he had fallen slightly out of favour under Guardiola and a transfer seemed logical at that point.
But in 2021/22 he had arguably one of the best seasons of his career, contributing 20 goals and assists and being virtually an ever-present in every key match in the season.
And with Sterling potentially leaving, Silva appears more indispensable than ever; Guardiola's acquisitions are focused on other positions, such as Erling Haaland in attack, plus in central midfield and left-back. So with no real replacement for Silva available, it seems unlikely City could let him leave now.
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Silva has a particular set of skills and, given he is contracted until 2025, it would require a huge offer from Barcelona to acquire him - money they simply do not have right now.
The Silva transfer to Barcelona already felt truly unlikely given their financial situation. But if the Sterling to Chelsea transfer happens, it moves closer to impossible.
