Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling has been reportedly valued at a £45 million price tag by the Premier League football club in spite of Barcelona’s interest. The 26-year-old ‘wants to leave the Etihad Stadium, according to a recent source.
Allegedly newly-appointed Barca manager Xavi is keen on bringing the Englishman to Camp Nou. According to the Metro, the Citizens are willing to sell Sterling in January for £45 million, which is roughly £5 million less than what they paid Liverpool for him in 2015.
If his previous club Barcelona makes a formal approach in one of the forthcoming transfer windows Pep Guardiola recently indicated that he is “convinced” that Sterling will join them. The Jamaica born footballer has caught attention from various clubs namely Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Newcastle United, but the Catalan giants are seen to be the frontrunners.
Sterling, whose contract with the Premier League champions expires in less than two years, has started just six of his 15 games in all competitions so far this season, scoring only twice.
Speaking in Barcelona earlier this week, Guardiola made little attempt to dampen speculation about Sterling’s departure and said the Catalans could sign Sterling ‘if they wanted’. He continued stating, “Honestly I have no idea. I don’t know anything. Not that I would tell you anyway.”
“If Barcelona are interested in any of our players, I am convinced that they can get them. Barca continues to be an attractive club, more than attractive. The city, the club, the history and this for the trainers, for the players always seduces a lot.”
“If Barcelona interests one of our players, they will set up the machinery into operation, it is a liner. Barca can use their media to influence signings. That’s the thing about Barcelona; they can do what they want, good or bad.”
