Over the past week or so, various reports in the Catalan media have stated Barcelona still have an interest in Raheem Sterling despite failing to sign him in the summer.
This season, the winger has lost prominence at Manchester City, leaving him with only two starts to his name in the league. The situation can result in his departure from the Etihad in January, according to Sport.
Another report from the same newspaper says the La Liga side believe they have ‘enough offensive potential’. However, they will look at the England international if Ousmane Dembélé decides against renewing his contract.
The Frenchman’s contract expires in 2022 and ‘everything is pending’ when it comes to his renewal. Ronald Koeman’s side have proposed a three-year deal and are waiting for a response, which they haven’t received so far.
If Dembélé decides not to renew, Sport say he will not feature this season. Barca will even try to sell him in January, in order to not let him leave for nothing next summer.
The 24-year-old [if he does not sign a new deal] can ‘open the door’ for Sterling’s arrival in the winter market. The report says Pep Guardiola will not see the departure badly, especially since it’s stated the player has refused to sign an extension at the Etihad.
If Barca were to sign Sterling in the mid-season window, it will be on a loan deal with a mandatory purchase option.
For now, they will have to wait for a response from Dembélé, before deciding whether or not to sign the Manchester City player.
