Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown vouches for Wrexham to take a chance on free-agent forward Raheem Sterling.
The frantic heat of the transfer window has only just begun to subside, leaving the aftermath to unfold. While this applies to all Championship sides, it’s especially relevant in Wrexham’s case.
After a busy deadline day, the fans have yet to see the on-field prowess of their latest signings. However, quite contrary to the flow, the Welsh club has been asked to begin a transfer coup for an England International just days after the winter window closed down.
The player in discussion is Manchester City legend Raheem Sterling. With his recent club, Chelsea, terminating his contract, Wrexham has now been told to make a move for the free agent and get him on their books.
As quoted by Goal, ex-Man United star Wes Brown recently addressed Sterling’s situation, saying: “I hope Raheem Sterling still likes football. What a player he’s been and he can still definitely do a job. It’s a shame what can happen in football.”
The former defender added, “Can a club like Wrexham and their story be the thing to reignite his passion for the game? Sometimes that’s all it takes.”
Sterling’s rumour isn’t a Paul Pogba repeat
Not long ago, Wrexham had been linked with a transfer rumour for former Premier League superstar Paul Pogba. With the Frenchman struggling with fitness, the Reds were supposed to get him on their books for more global visibility in attracting new audiences.
Despite all the buzzing speculation, Wrexham didn’t act, and the rumours were never heard again. Being a Premier League superstar in a mid-career lull in early 30s, Sterling’s case is similar yet a lot different.
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Unlike Pogba, Raheem Sterling has been competing actively at the top-most European level before this season. While his extravagant salary is an issue, Sterling’s form makes him a noticeable prospect for Wrexham.
Though widely known for his excellence at Manchester City with Pep Guardiola, Sterling has been a hit in each PL spell. His glorious numbers paint his evergreen English division legacy.
Raheem Sterling’s stats in the English division
Sterling kick-started his footballing career in Championship side QPR’s academy. After seven years of early development, he switched to the PL suit of Liverpool and emerged as one of the brightest English talents.
Before leaving for Man City in 2015, Sterling had already racked up 23 goals and 18 assists while establishing his authority as a regular starter. The following City spell boosted his numbers further, with him emerging as a pioneer of Man City’s modern-day success.
Raheem Sterling scored 131 goals alongside 86 assists in what paved the way for Man City’s invincible 4-peat PL feat. Despite immense success under Pep, a lack of game time by his standards made Sterling choose a Chelsea exit.
Again, the Three-Lions international had a modest Chelsea tenure until Enzo Maresca’s arrival changed his fate. With the new boss favouring players like Pedro Neto in his system, Sterling left on loan and never returned to his usual best.
Should Wrexham make a move for him?
As in the previous cases of Sergio Ramos, Paul Pogba, and Chicharito, Sterling’s signing guarantees media spotlight on Wrexham. Despite an exciting Championship roster, Sterling would naturally become the centre stage attraction if he arrives.
If the player’s ongoing Napoli rumours don’t explicitly put Sterling to Wrexham to bed, Phil Parkinson’s tactical system does. With Sterling being a winger by trait, he doesn’t fit in either of the gaffer’s 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 systems.
A strategic misfit has seen Wrexham time and again losing interest in exciting winger profiles. The same is expected for Sterling, as his close control and build-up playstyle falls far off Wrexham’s vertical play radar.
After seeing his role diminished under a coach with a different philosophy at Chelsea, Sterling is unlikely to repeat that mistake. Clearly, neither Wrexham nor Sterling seems to be benefiting from a potential move.
If this were to go through, it could sink Wrexham’s promotion race instead. With 2 signings on deadline, the club’s attacking department is already surplus. While 6 in-form superstars in Moore, Sam Smith, Rathbone, Windass, Broadhead, and Davis Keillor-Dunn are fighting for 3 roles, adding Sterling just creates a mess for Phil Parkinson & Wrexham.
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