The player’s long term future has been uncertain
Raheem Sterling joined Manchester city on a five year contract from rivals Liverpool for an initial £44 million, with a further potential £5 million in add-ons back in 2015. He turned down a new deal from the Reds as he decided to leave the club.
The 23 year old struggled with consistency during his first season with the club. But since Pep Guardiola took over the charge of City in 2016, he has improved considerably under him, especially his finishing as he was criticized for lack of composure in front of goal earlier.
The England International enjoyed the most prolific season of his career last season, scoring 18 Premier League goals and providing 11 assists. He helped his team to win the League Cup and Premier League, competing the domestic double.
The Winger featured extensively for his nation England during this year’s World Cup in Russia and helped the team to reach the semi-final. However, they were knocked out by Croatia but they have been praised for their performances.
He has a deal with the Premier League champions through to 2020, but those at the Etihad Stadium are eager to put fresh terms in place. However, no agreement has been reached yet, casting doubt over the forward’s long-term future.
Guardiola admitted that the Premier League giants wants Sterling to stay for a long times and is hoping that he signs a new contract soon.
He said as quoted by Goal: “There’s no doubt we want him.
“He knows, his agent knows. We want him. Txiki [Begiristain, City’s director of football] spoke with him.
“It’s clear since the first day I arrived we want him, but the deals are the deals, and the agents are the agents, and the players are the players.
“So, at the end, I don’t know what is going to happen, but I assure you 100 per cent that the club, myself like a manager, sport director, even his team-mates – we want him to stay longer here.”
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