Pep Guardiola Dismisses Rumors of Raheem Sterling’s Return to Manchester City

Manchester City’s head coach, Pep Guardiola, has addressed the rumors surrounding Raheem Sterling’s potential return to the Etihad during the summer 2024 transfer window. With speculation mounting about Sterling’s future at Chelsea, Guardiola has made it clear that a reunion with the England international is not on the cards.

Sterling, who has been sidelined from Chelsea’s first-team squad by new manager Enzo Maresca, was notably absent from the matchday lineup during Chelsea’s recent Premier League clash against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. The match ended in a 2-0 victory for City, with goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic highlighting their strong start to the Premier League season.

Despite rumors suggesting that Manchester City might be interested in bringing Sterling back, particularly after the club re-signed Ilkay Gundogan from FC Barcelona on a free transfer, Guardiola firmly quashed the idea. “He’s a Chelsea player, absolutely,” Guardiola stated. “I have great memories of our time with Raheem and Enzo, and I wish him all the best. But he’s a Chelsea player.”

Sterling, who made a significant impact at Manchester City during his previous tenure, won numerous trophies, including four Premier League titles, five League Cups, an FA Cup, and the FA Community Shield. He scored 131 goals in 339 appearances before his £50 million move to Chelsea in July 2022.

As Sterling continues to face uncertainty at Chelsea, with his absence noted in both the Premier League and UEFA Europa Conference League matches, he has been linked to other clubs, including Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. However, Guardiola’s comments make it clear that a return to Manchester City is not in the plans for the upcoming transfer window.