Man City face ‘£40m-plus’ blow after source’s Raheem Sterling update – pundit
Manchester City could lose out on “£40million-plus” should Raheem Sterling run down his contract, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted City would be keen to cash in on the 27-year-old this summer if he does not plan on committing to a new deal.
As revealed by Football Insider on Wednesday (20 April), Sterling is ready to run down the final year of his contract and leave on a free in 2023.
A recruitment source told this site Sterling is happy to remain at the Etihad next season without signing an extension.
Preliminary talks have taken place between club and player but a new deal is not considered close.
Whelan admitted letting Sterling go on a free would be a bitter financial blow for City.
Asked how much Sterling would be worth this summer, Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think now he’s coming up to a year on his contract, you could easily say £40million-plus, that’s simple.
“It’s something they can’t really afford to miss out on, even as big, wealthy club. You don’t want to lose £40million. Nobody wants to do that.
“If he doesn’t want to be at the club and wants to move on then I don’t think Man City will hold back and stop him from doing so.
“They’ll want to know where he stands on his contract and whether he wants to be at the club.
“He can definitely sit there, that’s the power of the player these days. You don’t need to leave.”
Sterling signed his current terms in 2018.
He has started 28 times in 40 appearances this season.
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