Manchester United have held talks with Chelsea about signing former Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, according to The Telegraph.
Sterling left the Cityzens for the Blues just over two years ago but he has been frozen by new head coach Enzo Maresca and he is expected to leave Stamford Bridge before the end of the month.
There has been speculation that Sterling could be offered in a potential swap deal for Jadon Sancho, and City fans on X predict that he will get a very hostile reception on his return to the Etihad if he ends up wearing the colours of their fiercest rivals:
Let him
He’s disrespected us enough— Marcel🇵🇱⭐ (@MTMCFC7) August 25, 2024
He will be booed at Etihad and his memories and accomplishments in City will be tarnished for City fans.
— Mister (@MisterCity19) August 25, 2024
I mean he would flop harder than he did at chelsea and he would tarnish his City legacy
— OnlyCity🇭🇺 (@mcfcdavid_27) August 25, 2024
we will feast on this…..
He is on 350k already.
Now imagine Utd offering him 400k .
hahaha— AMYA (@omgh0ul) August 25, 2024
Who cares? He’s already lost reputation here
— the man himself (@luomostesso) August 26, 2024
Will Sterling end up at United?
A lot will depend on whether a compromise can be found on the player’s salary. Sterling is currently earning £325,000 a week and he would need to take a pay cut if he does accept a move to the Red Devils.
He won’t be reintegrated into Chelsea’s first-team squad if he stays, with it being reported that he could stay with the Under 21s until January. That does increase the likelihood that he will make the switch to Old Trafford.
When do City face their rivals this season?
The first Manchester derby takes place near the end of the year, with City hosting United on December 14th. The reverse fixture is held on April 5th.
With the transfer window closing on Friday, fans will find out pretty soon whether Sterling will be playing in those two fixtures.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
