February 22, (THEWILL) – England champions Manchester City are expecting to tie down new contracts for Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, and Riyad Mahrez. Each attacker’s current deal is set to expire in 18 months.
Pep Guardiola has made it clear to City’s management that he does not want to lose any of the trio, who have all played a key role in his plans over the previous two seasons, especially in England and Europe.
Players and their representatives have been in contact with the club since late last year, and the Etihad side hopes to move forward with negotiations in the coming months.
City hopes that each will commit their immediate futures to the club, but they are believed to be at different phases of development, and it is not guaranteed that all three will stay. The situation is such that not renewing their contracts will most likely lead to an exit this summer.
City’s major concern is the future of England international Sterling, with whom they have been in talks for more than a year.
Sterling has not always been first choice in the wide areas under Guardiola this season, despite a fantastic European Championship performance with his country. Indeed, in the first three months of the current Premier League season, he only started three times.
Guardiola, on the other hand, has never concealed his view that Sterling is an important player for him, and the winger has just returned to the starting lineup.
Late last year, the 27-year-old was courted by Barcelona, who inquired about him and his then-teammate Ferran Torres. The transfer of Torres was approved by City, but Barça are still interested in a deal for Sterling.
Sterling now faces a major dilemma, as a new contract with City would effectively end any hopes of playing for one of Europe’s premier clubs in his prime years. That is something he has been considering since a probable deal to Camp Nou fizzled out in January.
Another player that may be at a fork in the road at the Etihad is 24-year-old Jesus. Despite being sidelined by injury at the moment, the forward has had a good season, typically playing off the right wing, and is now City’s assist leader. It was believed that in December, City were preparing a new contract for the Brazilian, with Guardiola praising his adaptability.
But, Jesus’ contract situation is already garnering interest from a number of European teams, including both Milan clubs and Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid, as well as Paris Saint-Germain, who have always had a long-standing interest in Jesus.
Mahrez is the most likely of the three to sign an extension in the coming weeks. With 25 goal involvements in all competitions, the Algerian wide player is having an outstanding season. And, Guardiola has continued to count on him to get results for the side.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
