Barcelona were strongly linked with Raheem Sterling prior to their move for Ferran Torres. And now, the reason behind the failed transfer has now been revealed.
Sterling had fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola following a very impressive Euro 2020 campaign with England. As a result, he was linked with a move away to Barcelona and was open to the switch according to several reports.
Here’s why Raheem Sterling’s Barcelona move fell through
According to Diario Sport, the real reason why Sterling’s Barcelona move fell through was that Xavi wanted Ferran Torres instead of the Englishman. The Spaniard has now been recruited by Barcelona and has also opened his scoring account for his new club.
Torres’ first goal for Barcelona came in their 3-2 defeat against Athletic Bilbao, which saw them exit the Copa del Rey this season. After his debut against Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana El Clasico, he has started to show what he is all about in recent games.
But despite the big signing in the winter transfer window, Barcelona are still seventh in the league. The only trophy that they can realistically compete for is the Europa League.
Sterling has since grown back into the first team under Pep Guardiola, and has also scored his 100th Premier League goal. He has re-established himself as a key player in the Manchester City frontline and is starting every game for the league leaders.
