Gabby Agbonlahor reveals Raheem Sterling contract insight after what he’s seen at Aston Villa – ‘I’ve heard…’
Raheem Sterling could make a surprise move to Aston Villa after departing Chelsea this week.
Sterling has been linked to Villa in the past, with the winger previously offered to Unai Emery and Co. by the Stamford Bridge outfit.
There were questions over Sterling’s wage demands ahead of a Villa move, something which seemingly played its part in halting a B6 switch.
A free transfer could prove to be possible this winter with Sterling available to Villa after leaving Chelsea in an unsurprising fashion in January.
With days remaining in the window, a deal could still be possible with Sterling and now Gabby Agbonlahor speaking out about contract negotiations away from Villa Park.
Gabby Agbonlahor reveals Raheem Sterling negotiation insight
Sterling was backed to accept a Villa contract in 2024, with a Stamford Bridge departure looking likely even then.
The ex-England international eventually went on to sign for Arsenal, where his fortunes didn’t turn around before he returned to Chelsea in the summer.
The 31-year-old netted just one goal for the Gunners before his loan expired, leaving the Blues with a transfer dilemma on their hands.
Sterling was frozen out alongside former Villa man Axel Disasi, but with his contract now torn up, he is open to move elsewhere for free.
A move to Villa has been floated by some fans, but Agbonlahor has been forced to back the winger on talkSPORT after criticism surrounded his Chelsea exit.
He said: “He’s been playing for 10 years before the Chelsea move, give him a break. You sign a five-year deal, you’ve got two years left, are you going to leave and leave your money on the table? No, you aren’t.
“When they say termination of contract, I’ll tell you something, if he’s got a year and a half left, they would have given him a year’s money. Then the club is saving maybe £4m or £5m on six months’ wages.
“I’ve heard about these negotiations loads when I was playing. You give someone a contract, you stick with that contract as a football club, he’s got every right.
“I’ve seen it at football clubs. I saw it at Villa. No one forced you to give out those contracts. If you did and the manager doesn’t want them, no problem, give me my money.“
Sterling could join Aston Villa in January
There is potential there for Villa to sign Sterling after his departure from Stamford Bridge.
The question is, will they? Probably not.
The Englishman has bags and bags of experience, which would certainly be useful, but his lack of minutes this campaign won’t benefit his chances of a B6 deal.
Emery demands plenty of work from his wingers, and considering Jadon Sancho is only just getting a proper chance in claret and blue, Sterling could be waiting for a long time.
It would certainly be interesting if he were to join the Villans, but based on their current standing in forward areas, it feels unlikely.
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