Raheem Sterling could have been playing in a different league this season (Picture: Getty Images)
Real Madrid were keen to bring Raheem Sterling to Spain over the summer, but were thwarted by La Liga rules on signing non-EU players.
Sterling left Manchester City for Chelsea in a £47.5m move earlier this year, and the Champions League holders would have been keen to pay that price for the England international.
However, Spanish publication AS reports that this only did not come to fruition because the Brazilians Eder Militao, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo were filling Real’s three non-EU spots in their squad.
Similarly, Gabriel Jesus was wanted by Real when Arsenal signed him this summer, but he too was not a realistic option due to the non-EU rules. Erling Haaland was also off the agenda with Norway not being in the EU.
Things have changed for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, though, with the three Brazilians now having been granted Spanish citizenship, so Real are able to make moves for non-EU players.
Jude Bellingham is reportedly one of their key targets next summer and they can now bring in the Englishman, although they will face serious competition for the midfielder.
Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been heavily linked with the 19-year-old and there is certain to be an intense fight for his signature in 2023.
Sterling has made a solid, if unspectacular, start to his life at Chelsea since leaving the Premier League champions, scoring three Premier League goals in 11 appearances so far, while netting once in five Champions League games.
However, his goal threat has been hampered by playing in a new role at wing-back for some of Graham Potter’s reign since taking over from Thomas Tuchel.
MORE : Brighton star would thrive at Chelsea or Arsenal, says Gabby Agbonlahor
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This would have been a blockbuster move.