Football News
Man Utd move for Raheem Sterling update, two key reasons surprise deal could still happen
Manchester United could still pull off a move for Raheem Sterling even if Jadon Sancho signs with Juventus.
Claims of a potential swap deal between Manchester United and Chelsea for Jadon Sancho and Raheem Sterling have elicited plenty of surprise among supporters.
United fans still recall the club’s last swap deal of convenience, a move with Arsenal which saw Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan go the other way.
Amid all of this, Jadon Sancho has been strongly linked to Juventus, with Fabrice Hawkins claiming an agreement has been reached for the winger to leave on loan.
This does not necessarily mean the end of Manchester United’s links to Raheem Sterling.
Dan Ashworth believes in Raheem Sterling
Manchester United’s interest in Raheem Sterling is not simply a case of Chelsea seeking to pawn off an unwanted player on the Red Devils.
Journalist Graeme Bailey tells United In Focus that sporting director Dan Ashworth is a big fan of Raheem Sterling and feels the Chelsea winger has something to offer Manchester United.
“Dan Ashworth knows Raheem Sterling well from his time at the FA and has a lot of time for him. He believes he is a good fit for Manchester United’s project.”
Crucially, the deal is not dependent on Jadon Sancho going to Chelsea. A move for Raheem Sterling could be struck independently.
He explains: “It’s not dependent on Sancho – United want him out, Chelsea want Sterling out – nice fit but not necessarily one without the other.
“If Chelsea take Sancho they want one to go the other way, but if Sancho ends up at Juventus then Chelsea still want Sterling out.”
Loan deal a possibility
Making a deal for Raheem Sterling work is tricky financially due to his high wages at Chelsea and will require some creativity. It may also need some sacrifices on Sterling’s part.
One option which has not been ruled out at this stage is that Manchester United simply take Raheem Sterling on a loan deal.
Talks still need to be held between Sterling and Chelsea to work out a path forward, while Manchester United are keen not to make a mistake which could negatively impact the club financially.
United have made clear to Sterling’s representatives that his wages at United would be capped at a maximum of £200,000 per week, and he would have to accept being a squad player. He currently earns more than £300,000 per week at Chelsea.
This is an agreement which Sterling has agreed to in principle, although there is still work to do.
United have done well this summer to negotiate around the PSR difficulties faced entering the summer, set to complete a fifth permanent deal once Manuel Ugarte is announced.
Sterling was linked to Manchester United nine years ago under Louis van Gaal, but Liverpool refused to entertain offers from the Red Devils.
He moved to Manchester City instead, and subsequently Chelsea. Sterling is currently the third highest active goalscorer in the Premier League with 185 goals, behind only Mo Salah and Jamie Vardy.
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