November 24, (THEWILL) – Barcelona are looking at alternatives to Raheem Sterling ahead of the January transfer window, with Chelsea’s Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, and Christian Pulisic all being considered.
After a terrible first half of the season, Barcelona is in dire need to strengthen in the winter window. They are currently seventh in La Liga and are in danger of exiting the Champions League at the group stage for the first time since the 2000/2001 season.
The depressing exits of Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, and Luis Suarez in the last 18 months, injuries to key players, and Sergio Aguero’s impending retirement have only highlighted the club’s need for fresh players, particularly in attack.
Sterling is a prime target as he has become dissatisfied with his lack of playing time this season, and he has notified City of his desire to join Barcelona, according to some sources.
However, it is unclear whether the Catalans will be able to afford such a move as Barca are unwilling to add a buy-in clause in player proposals, but City may not be willing to let Sterling go without it. This has prompted the Catalans to investigate alternative options, including contacting Chelsea to inquire about Werner and Ziyech.
Neither player has been regulars this season, having failed to live up to expectations following their high-profile transfers from RB Leipzig and Ajax, respectively. And it fits with new coach Xavi’s desire to add width to Barca’s attack. Xavi has also backed Ousmane Dembele to fulfil his potential if he can stay injury-free.
Pulisic is another Chelsea wide man under consideration at Camp Nou. Injury and illness have limited the American’s participation this season, but he was in and out of the team even when healthy last season, contributing irregular attacking displays.
Barca would have to consider including a player in part-exchange to cut the price, such as Philippe Coutinho, or arrange an 18-month loan with an obligation to buy in 2023 if they can not afford Chelsea’s €50 million asking price.
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.
