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Raheem Sterling’s Manchester United Move Faces Immediate Hurdle: New Squad Number Required
Potential Switch to Old Trafford
Raheem Sterling, currently on the outskirts at Chelsea, may find himself donning Manchester United colors before the summer transfer window slams shut this Friday. However, this potential move comes with an immediate challenge—Sterling will need to choose a new squad number.
A High-Profile Swap Deal on the Horizon?
Sterling’s transfer could be part of a major swap deal, with Jadon Sancho possibly moving to Chelsea in return. Chelsea’s interest in the 24-year-old United star has grown, especially after he was reintegrated into the team following a period of exile under Erik ten Hag last season.
Sterling’s Position at Chelsea
At Chelsea, Sterling’s situation has taken a turn for the worse, albeit for reasons different from Sancho’s. Now 29, Sterling is part of a 13-man “bomb squad” training away from the first team. This exclusion is largely due to Enzo Maresca inheriting an oversized squad earlier this summer, leading to Sterling being pushed out of the manager’s plans.
Despite encouragement to seek a new club, Sterling’s hefty £300,000 weekly wages and the three years remaining on his contract are significant hurdles. If United manages to sign Sterling before Friday’s deadline, there’s another problem—he won’t be able to wear his preferred No. 7 jersey.
The Jersey Number Dilemma
The iconic No. 7 at United is currently occupied by Mason Mount, who arrived in a £65 million transfer last summer. With few available numbers left at Old Trafford, Sterling will have to consider alternatives.
During his first season at Chelsea, Sterling wore the No. 17, but this number has since been taken by Alejandro Garnacho. Another option could be the No. 31, which Sterling previously wore at Liverpool. It was last worn by Jack Butland during a short loan spell from Crystal Palace in the latter half of the 2022-23 season. This could be a nostalgic choice for Sterling.
Sterling’s Long-Term Association with No. 7
The No. 7 has been more than just a number for Sterling—it’s been his identity for all but one of the last nine seasons. He first donned it after his move from Liverpool to Manchester City in 2015 and has occasionally been assigned the number while representing England.
However, as part of Chelsea’s strategy to distance Sterling from the first team under Maresca, they stripped him of his No. 7 shirt this season, handing it to new recruit Pedro Neto instead. Sterling hasn’t been allocated a new number since.
Possible Shirt Numbers at Manchester United
If Sterling ends up at United, several other squad numbers could be available to him, including 13, 19, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, and 34. While none hold the same prestige as No. 7, they represent the fresh start Sterling might need as he looks to revive his career at Old Trafford.
