Do it Pep – Time is right for Man City to tie down their 18-goal superstar to a new contract

Why Manchester City should tie Raheem Sterling down to a new contract

Raheem Sterling recently returned from the World Cup and despite playing a single pre-season match, he revelled in Manchester City’s opening Premier League game at Arsenal. That is some statement from a player who has always graced the criticism columns of newspapers.

Club manager Pep Guardiola praised his performance to bits and according to the Telegraph, the Spaniard stated his desire for the player to sign a new contract with Manchester City. He also insisted as to how much this club value a talent like Sterling and are ready to provide him with the platform for future success (h/t The Telegraph).

The 23-year-old’s current contract runs until 2020 but the club are yet to extend that. The Englishman is seeking contract terms with wages close to £300,000-a-week, which will make him the highest-paid English player in club football. (Telegraph)

Here’s why Manchester City should do everything to tie Sterling down to a new contract:

The manager’s preference

It spoke volumes when Guardiola started Sterling in Sunday’s crunch Premier League opener against Arsenal, in spite of the fact that the 23-year-old didn’t play a single pre-season game. This indicated the manager’s trust in the youngster.

Since Guardiola’s arrival at City, Sterling has transformed into a better player. His goal at the Emirates last weekend was simply sumptuous for a player who is deemed “weak” at finishing chances in front of the goal.

The 23-year-old netted 18 times in 31 league appearances last season, marking his highest return in top-flight football. So, there is clearly a healthy connection between him and Guardiola, which should be maintained by the club as well.

They should extend his contract and meet his terms before his head gets turned by a different club. Sterling is most certainly the manager’s preferred one to play most games and hence, he needs to sign a new contract with City as soon as possible.

Read More: Rating Man City’s transfer window at 7/10 – Pep should have signed a defensive midfielder

Verdict

It’s true that the amount demanded by the player is quite staggering. However, there has to be a solution to this problem. The club must find and implement the same before it gets too late.