I know we would all love to believe in the romantic notion that Pep will be with us for the next 20 years, winning multiple Prem and CL titles but realistically he is here for the next 2-5 years. He will do whatever it takes, to make sure that when he leaves it is under his own terms and having been successful. With that in mind he needs to do the best for now, not the best for the potential next manager. Peps whole reputation is on the line, if he really wants Sanchez and the only way to get him, is to release someone like Sterling, I have no doubt that he will be ruthless enough to do so.