Manchester City could finally replace Sterling in a swoop for £100 million magician.

Manchester City could finally replace Sterling in a swoop for £100 million magician.

Manchester City’s squad is not lacking in quality, as evidenced by their excellent title haul in recent seasons under Pep Guardiola.

They completed the triple in 2022/23 and added another Premier League title last season, putting them on track to win five in a straight next season.

One thing they lack is pace on the sides, as Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane have left The Etihad, leaving Jeremy Doku as the club’s sole quick wide winger.

Guardiola might eventually replace Sterling, who joined Chelsea for £50 million two years ago, by signing a Champions League winner to provide a direct, pacey option on the right side of his attack in the 2024/25 season.

Manchester City’s interest in the Champions League winner
TEAMtalk revealed earlier this month that the Cityzens are the only club with a ‘concrete’ interest in signing Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo this summer.

According to the newspaper, the Sky Blues are interested in signing the Brazil international because Guardiola believes he would be an excellent addition to his already superb roster of attacking options.

TEAMtalk stated that the Spanish club, which won the Champions League last season, would seek a whopping £100 million to let the 23-year-old sensation leave.

It remains to be seen whether City are willing to pay £100 million for the Brazilian genius to join their squad this summer.

If the Premier League champions can complete a deal for the right-footed speedster, they may finally replace Sterling on the wing.

Why Rodrygo Could Be Sterling 2.0
To begin, Rodrygo is a speedy attacker who was considered one of the fastest players in LaLiga last year owing to his ‘electric’ movement and can pose a direct threat in behind opposing defences.

While Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva can provide control and ball retention on the sides, the Real Madrid star can add something unique with his speed, mobility, and goal-scoring ability.

Along with his pace and runs in behind, Sterling was a major goal threat for City, finishing his career with 131 goals in 339 appearances across all competitions – more than one every three games on average.

23/24 LaLiga.

Rodrygo

Appearances

34

Goals

10

Assists

5

Big opportunities created.

5

Key passes each game.

1.4

Stats via Sofascore.

As shown in the table above, Rodrygo scored double figures in La Liga, whereas Grealish, Doku, and Bernardo combined for just 12 Premier League goals.

The Brazil international, labeled “sensational” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has scored 36 goals in all competitions since the start of the 2022/23 season, demonstrating his consistency in front of goal, averaging 18 goals each season.

Guardiola would bring in a fast and direct attacker who can play on either flank or through the middle, as well as bolster his wing options, due to Rodrygo’s stronger goal-scoring ability in contrast to Grealish, Bernardo, and Doku, which is why he might be Sterling 2.0.