Former professional footballer Carlton Palmer believes that Raheem Sterling could join Barcelona in January.
Speaking at a Financial Times event earlier this month, the 26-year-old said: “As an English player, all I know is the Premier League. I’ve always known that maybe one day, I would love to play abroad and see how I would come up against that challenge.”
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Since joining Manchester City, Sterling has been a key player for the Cityzens as he has featured in over 300 games in all competitions and helped the club to win a number of trophies including three Premier League titles, five League Cups, one FA Cup and two Community Shields, but ex-professional player Palmer believes that his time at the Etihad could be coming to an end.
“I think that’s one that may get done in January, assuming Barcelona can come up with the £60m or £70m transfer fee that they’re asking for Raheem.
“Again, I’m confused as to why Raheem is not playing regularly at Man City. I know they’ve signed Grealish and I suppose once they signed Grealish, the writing was on the wall.
“But you signed Grealish who wasn’t playing in the European Championships for England and you’ve got Raheem Sterling who was arguably England’s best player, and one of the best players in the European Championships, who’s not starting for your club. I just really don’t get that one,” Palmer told This is Futbol.
Marca have reported that Barcelona are interested in signing Sterling but have also stated that the asking price of €80m (£67m) could prove to be a stumbling block for the Spanish giants.
Barcelona are currently on the lookout for a new manager after parting company with Ronald Koeman following the 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano, with former player Xavi one of the names linked with the Nou Camp hot seat according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.