Why Manchester City's Pursuit of Raheem Sterling Is Worth the Risk

Almost every transfer comes with risk attached. Given the sums of money involved to bring a player to a club—spread across the transfer fee, wages and agent payments—it’s rare to see a deal completed that isn’t loaded with potential pitfalls.

There are numerous examples of high-performing world-class players moving to a new club, seemingly guaranteed to be a success, but ultimately proving something of a failure.

Last summer, Manchester United spent big on Angel Di Maria. The Argentinian had been a revelation at Real Madrid, but the arrival of James Rodriguez, the star of that summer’s World Cup and a marketing dream for the moneymen at the Bernabeu, meant he was allowed to leave. United were the grateful recipients.

It felt as though Louis van Gaal was getting a world-class performer—a player who could add a new dimension to their attack and change games in an instant. The Premier League had a new star, and United were back signing the kind of player they needed to return to their usual level after a disappointing season under David Moyes the year before. 

His debut season, though, was totally underwhelming, defined by a series of ineffective, lacklustre displays. United need to find a way of using him better next season, and the transfer is certainly not doomed to failure just yet, but it provides the latest example of the complexities involved in signing football players.

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Nothing is guaranteed and nothing is predictable, which is why we love the game as much as we do.

It was a similar situation when Fernando Torres left Liverpool to sign for Chelsea in 2011. Torres was the best No. 9 in European football and boasted a remarkable goalscoring record at Anfield—81 in 142 games. He had everything: pace, technique, intelligence and unerring accuracy inside the penalty area.

What could possibly go wrong?

As it turned out, the move was a total disaster. For £50 million, Chelsea got a player shorn of confidence who had lost some of his pace, the key element of his game. He scored just 45 times in 172 matches and joined AC Milan on loan in 2014.

That is why some people are questioning the wisdom of Manchester City’s pursuit of Raheem Sterling. Liverpool have already rejected two bids for the 20-year-old winger-cum-forward, but their £28 million capture of Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim could pave the way for Sterling to move to the Etihad, according to James Robson in the Manchester Evening News. City are expected to make a fresh bid in the coming days.

As ever, there is huge risk attached. Sterling is far from the finished article. His decision-making, at times, is haphazard, and he can be wasteful in possession. There are still some clear holes in his game.

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And the price is steadily creeping up. City entered negotiations offering around £35 million plus add-ons based on performances. It is now thought they may have to get nearer Liverpool’s asking price of around £50 million. It’s a lot of money for a largely unproven player.

But City are paying for potential. Is there a 20-year-old attacker in Europe with as much ability as Sterling? He’s shown over the past two seasons he can produce moments of absolute brilliance—a player who can excite through his mix of skill, speed and bravery. He’s a player who wants to make things happen and takes risks where others perhaps wouldn’t.

He ticks a number of boxes for City. They lacked pace in attacking areas last season, and he will solve that in an instant. They need a top-quality forward who can beat defenders, and again, Sterling has the potential to become one of the best at doing exactly that.

On top of his ability, he has “home-grown” status; City will be acutely aware of the need to add players who fulfil that particular criteria in order to comply with Premier League and UEFA rules.

No transfer comes without risk, but City cannot let fear halt their pursuit of the finest young English talent in the game today. Sterling comes at a significant price, but if he fulfils his undoubted potential—and those in charge at the Etihad clearly feel they can hone his ability—he will be well worth the investment.

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and follows the club from a Manchester base. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.