It’s hard to believe that Raheem Sterling is still only 26 years old.
The England international has been one of the Premier League awards for half a decade – and failed to collect less than 17 league goals since 2016 – and has already been covered over 60 times by his country.
He has not yet met the first years of his career, which makes him a very exquisite opportunity for all potential clubs that want to catch him. With rumors that in the future he wants talks with the current club Manchester City after he returned from England customs at Euro 2020, he may be on his way out of the Etihad.
But who should look to get their signature? Well, let’s take a look.
Mikel Arteta knows Raheem Sterling well from his time as Pep Guardiola’s number two in Manchester City / Marc Atkins / Getty Images
Cityvingen has been linked with a move to Arsenal and given Gunners’ season, it is obvious that they need to strengthen.
Sterling would be a huge boost for Mikel Arteta (who he knows very well from his time at City), giving proven figures and a more creative feel. His introduction this week rather than a big name number ten would also suit the development of Emile Smith Rowe, who could go back to a role behind the striker while Sterling fills in on the left.
There is no doubt that Arsenal would look a much more exciting side with Sterling, but can the Gunners lure him to the Emirates given their lack of European football?
That would be tough.
Suitability: 3/10
Barcelona finished third in La Liga last season / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
Another big club to be linked to Sterling in this transfer window is Barcelona.
With the future of Ousmane Dembele still uncertain, it looks like La Blaugrana does not want to leave briefly the next campaign.
But with the confirmed arrival of Sergio Aguero and the likely signing of Memphis Depay (even if that’s what we said about Georginio Wijnaldum – ouch), there should be no need to splash the cash on someone else going forward – especially in the financial state they find themselves in.
Of course, there have been rumors that Sterling’s departure for Barcelona could be part of a swap deal, but if not, can anyone ask Barcelona to stop spending money ?!
Suitability: 4.5 / 10
Julian Nagelsmann takes over as Bayern manager next season / Pool / Getty Images
The German champions have also been linked to Sterling – I mean, it’s not like they already have world-class swingers?
The English have thought that the Bundesliga was a good treadmill in recent years, and with the incoming intensity of Julian Nagelsmann arriving at the Allianz Arena, Sterling could very well find the same in Bayern Munich.
The wing undoubtedly has a dynamic, fast and ruthless way of attacking its opposition and has under Guardiola shown its ability to push as part of a unit.
He could really thrive in Bavaria, but do they really need a new winger?
Suitability: 5/10
Stefano Pioli and Zlatan Ibrahimovic / ISABELLA BONOTTO / Getty Images
If Sterling would like to move to Serie A, it would be wise to consider Milan.
Stefano Pioli’s side will be determined to build on a very promising season and maintain pressure for the title until it falls off the pace late. To do that, investments are required. (if they can afford it, that is).
Pioli’s attacking style and preference for defenders to get up their respective flanks would suit the English winger, allowing him to slip in and influence the procedures near the goal, which he has done with great effect in recent years.
The need for a world-class edge is obvious on the Milan side and Sterling would make I Rossoneri real challengers once again.
Suitability: 6/10
Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son had fantastic individual seasons last campaign / SHAUN BOTTERILL / Getty Images
It was a disappointing collective campaign for Tottenham last semester, and a rejuvenation around the club seems to be in order.
At the end of Gareth Bale’s loan, it may be wise to invest in a high-quality winger to add to Spurs’ front line.
If Harry Kane stays at the club, Sterling’s extra presence of Son Heung-min and England’s captain at the top – to hopefully be the point of contact in a free-flowing, attacking side – would pose a very strong threat to those entering the hot spot. in north London.
Suitability: 6/10
Can Mauricio Pochettino attract Raheem Sterling to Ligue 1? / Xavier Laine / Getty Images
There is also not much need for Sterling in Paris – yet.
But if the nightmare idea of Kylian Mbappe leaving the Parc des Princes comes true, Paris Saint Germain will no doubt immediately look for a talismanic move forward.
They are great shoes to fill, but Sterling is experienced and has proven his worth in the toughest leagues – 65 goals and 39 assists in the last four Premier League seasons show his quality.
You can imagine that the City winger would get bags of goals and assists along with Neymar and (potentially) Mbappe in Ligue 1 – even if he definitely has to invest in a bigger trophy cabinet.
Suitability: 7/10
Carlo Ancelotti is back at Real Madrid / Jan Kruger / Getty Images
Real Madrid ended the 2020/21 season without a trophy, which is simply unacceptable by their standards.
Since the split of the famous trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Bale, Los Blancos have apparently been fighting for goals compared to previous years, especially in La Liga.
This campaign, Zinedine Zidane has had to rely mostly on Vinicius Jr and Marco Asensio (who collected eight league goals in 2020/21) to flank the ever-impressive Benzema, while Eden Hazard simply could not even have registered as a squad member.
The signing of Hazard would be Galactico-esque – it has been anything but. While Los Blanco’s financial situation is not flowing, an attack fix is needed at Real, and Sterling would be a good fit as a guaranteed goal.
Suitability: 8/10
