Transfer Rumors: Misfiring Manchester City Midfielder Hints At January Exit

KEY POINTS

Raheem Sterling prefers to join a team where he can be used
A Barcelona stint is highly unlikely for Sterling
Newcastle United is seen as a good spot, where Sterling can rejuvenate his career

For players like Raheem Sterling of Manchester City, it is understandable that he would be happier being on the football field.

Unfortunately for the 26-year-old English national, his fortunes have changed with the Sky Blues.

After initially being a prominent figure for Manchester City, he has fallen down the ranks. He has not been given appropriate playing time by Pep Guardiola, and such is understandably frustrating.

Speaking to the Financial Times Business of Sports US Summit, the 26-year-old admitted that he is open to leaving Manchester City in a heartbeat if there was an offer on the table.

He added that aside from the English Premier League, he is also open to moving to France or Spain.

The plight of Sterling has nose-dived since helping the same team win three Premier League titles.

He has fallen down the pecking order this season, a reason why he is looking forward to what the January transfer window may bring.

Sterling has spent the last six years with Manchester City. He was acquired from Liverpool for £50 million ($68 million) in 2015, Goal reported.

Since February, the English winger has only seen action in 16 of the Citizens’ last 33 matches across all competitions.

“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,” part of what Sterling said in the report from the Financial Times.

All Sterling can do now is wait and see. Some clubs have expressed interest in him although each with varying situations.

One of them is Barcelona. However, the only way they can get him is via a loan deal because of their financial situation.

Other teams linked to Sterling include Real Madrid, Arsenal and Newcastle.

Misfiring: Raheem Sterling has scored just four Premier League goals for Manchester City this season POOL / Dave Thompson

The Magpies could be an interesting stop to consider, especially following the Saudi-backed takeover.

Newcastle United is expected to undergo a major overhaul, and Sterling could find new life being part of the Magpies' new mix as early as January.

The important thing for Sterling right now is that he enjoys football at a certain standard. At the top of the list is him setting ample playing time, the Guardian reported.