Erling Haaland deal could result in Man City contract twist as crunch talks scheduled – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested Erling Haaland’s arrival could convince Raheem Sterling to stay at Man City this summer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker claimed the 27-year-old has “unfinished” business at the Etihad Stadium.
As reported by the Times on Tuesday (31 May), Sterling will hold talks with City after the international break to decide whether to sign a new contract or leave for pastures new this summer.
The England international’s current terms expire next summer.
Sterling reportedly wants regular game time but City are unlikely to offer any assurances in negotiations.
However, Whelan suggested the winger may want to stay after seeing Haaland join the squad.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “When you’re like Man City, it’s not guaranteed for any player that you’ll be getting minutes. It’s that competitive in their squad, they’re all international players.
“Even their second string would probably finish in the top six in the Premier League if you could keep them fit throughout the season.
“He’s in a really strong position, isn’t he, with one year left of his contract. Yes, he wants to play more minutes and why wouldn’t you? I think it probably makes it easier for him to maybe think about leaving after winning the Premier League again.
“On the other hand, is his job finished, is it completed? Because they haven’t won the Champions League yet. I think that’s probably something that he would love to have another crack at with Man City next season.
“Now that you’ve got Haaland in there, they’re going to strengthen in other positions. You wouldn’t want to walk away from that opportunity to play with Haaland and go that step closer to winning the Champions League before he leaves.
“He’s still then in a very strong position out of contract.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire issues ‘enormous’ Man City claim after under-the-radar reveal.