Raheem Sterling has completed a big-money move to City, after a bid of £40 million was accepted by The Reds, £10 million lower than was feared City would have to pay for their newest – and now record – signing. This represents the capture of one of City’s biggest targets this summer, and sets them up for a strong window as they look to regain the Premier League title this season.
City had already made a £30 million bid which included £5 million in bonuses, before raising that to £40 million with the same amount in bonuses. Now, The Blues have managed to get their man, with the final price around £49m and he signs on a five-year contract.
The England international had been linked with a move away from Anfield since the closing weeks of the season, as he was reportedly unhappy with his deal at Liverpool, and unwilling to sign another one. He made the headlines after failing to turn up to Liverpool training, citing illness as his reason and was then pulled from the club’s pre-season tour.
City have beaten competition from several other top England sides, as well as sides from on the continent – although City may have been the only club to have made a formal move for the Jamaican-born attacker.
It was thought Liverpool would try to hold out for £50 million in their bid to get as much money as they could, while also being resigned to his departure. However, it was rumoured that this expectation was lowered as other clubs failed to make formal approaches for the youngster, due to the excessive price he would have commanded and the fact they had other priorities.
As per the deal which took Sterling to Liverpool back in 2010, Queens Park Rangers will take a portion of the £49m fee, a good 20%. This 20% sell-on clause was thought to be a factor in the rejection of the initial City bid by Liverpool, as well as the desire to hold out for as much money as possible.
Since making his debut for The Reds in March 2012, Raheem Sterling has played 129 games in all competitions for Liverpool, scoring 23 goals. He’s also earned 16 caps for the England senior team, scoring once.
He will wear the No.7 shirt for the club.
