At long last, the saga is over.
Raheem Sterling has moved to Manchester City for an initial fee of £44m, with an additional £5m tied up in add-ons.
The summer’s most anticipated sale came to the fore on Sunday, when it was revealed that Sterling had been pulled out of Liverpool’s pre-season tour, and formal negotiations were underway between the Reds and City.
Later on in the day, multiple sources confirmed that the Manchester club had upped their bid for the 20-year-old, and it had been agreed by the Anfield club.
Due to the stance that Sterling has taken throughout the window, it was made clear that he was not going to pull on the Red shirt again. A fact that should have aided City’s bid for the England international.
Ultimately, Sterling’s reluctance to play for Liverpool will have been a key factor in sale, but FSG and the Liverpool negotiating team should be commended for playing hardball. Multiple bids were turned down before a fee was agreed upon.
Now that personal terms have been agreed and a medical has been passed, there is no longer any doubt over Sterling’s future. He will he wearing the blue of Manchester City next season.
The task now falls to the Liverpool transfer committee. Regardless of his behaviour in recent weeks, Sterling – at 20 years of age – is one of the best young talents England has to offer, and he was a key component of the Liverpool system last season.
Sterling must be replaced, and the money must be re-invested wisely, something that the club has developed an unfortunate reputation for.
