Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling ‘makes decision’ on his Etihad future

Manchester City star Raheem Sterling ‘wants to leave’ to leave the Etihad during the upcoming January transfer window because of his lack of opportunities this season.

The England international has struggled to hold a key role in Pep Guardiola’s plans so far this season, and has only started six of his 15 appearances in all competitions.

The 26-year-old, who was an unused substitute in the Manchester derby against Manchester United on Saturday, has only managed two goals and two assists for the English champions this term.

Phil Foden’s development and the £100million arrival of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa has only further fuelled the belief that the 26-year-old will leave.

According to Mundo Deportivo as relayed by Manchester Evening News, Sterling is frustrated with his lack of playing opportunities at the Etihad Stadium this season and is keen to ply his trade elsewhere, with Barcelona poised to make the deal happen.

Sterling is being targeted on loan by Barcelona, but other clubs may fancy their chances of landing him on a permanent deal. He is under contract at City until June 2023.

Sterling was on the scoresheet in Man City’s 4-1 win over Club Brugge in the Champions League last week, but did not celebrate his first City goal since August, perhaps out of relief after a difficult spell in and out of the side.

It has been a long and difficult couple of months in a Manchester City shirt for Sterling, though the hope will be that this first goal since August represents a fresh start.