Barcelona is in 1-billion-euro debt and will have to be careful how they spend what little money they have in the January transfer window. With the future of Ronald Koeman in doubt, Barcelona could see many changes to the squad and management in the next few weeks.
For Manchester City that could mean easy pickings as City have set their eyes on one Barcelona player, but given the financial situation at Barcelona, they would be willing to include one of their own to make the economics of the deal easier.
According to El Nacional in Spain Manchester City is interested in Ousmane Dembele but are willing to part with Raheem Sterling as a way to lighten the load for Barcelona economically. Meaning Barcelona would need to purchase Raheem Sterling but include Ousmane Dembele in the payment.
Ousmane Dembele and Raheem Sterling swap
Raheem Sterling (Getty)
Raheem Sterling at the moment has been reduced to substitute appearances at Manchester City, reports have indicated that Barcelona have been in pursuit of Sterling since March of last year. The brass at Barcelona believe they have enough cash flow to at least buy some players in the January transfer window and an out of favor Raheem Sterling is target number 1.
Ousmane Dembele (Getty)
Ousmane Dembele is coming back from injury and has played in 81 games for Barcelona since 2017, he played in 30 games last season. Dembele would be a backup forward at City and would carry less of a burden than a benched Raheem Sterling.