Crystal Palace, Leeds United interested in Raheem Sterling
Crystal Palace and Leeds United are both interested in signing Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling in January.
Raheem Sterling is no longer a part of Chelsea’s plans, and his future has been up in the air for some time. The London club are ready to sanction his departure in the upcoming transfer window.
According to a report from CaughtOffside, Leeds United and Crystal Palace have emerged as potential destinations for the veteran English forward, who hasn’t played a single minute this season.
Sterling joined the Blues in the summer of 2022 from Manchester City. During his time at the club, he has been involved in 81 matches and has bagged 19 goals and 15 assists. He spent the last season on loan at Arsenal.
While Mikel Arteta was keen on having him in his squad, the 31-year-old didn’t have the desired impact. Following his return to the club in the summer, Chelsea were ready to offload him. But things didn’t go according to plan for them.
Enzo Maresca has yet to use him in any of their games, and with his surplus to requirements, the London want to get him off their books, as his massive wages are posing a major financial burden for the club.
With his contract running until the summer of 2027, Chelsea want to sort out his future in January. The London club are open to a permanent transfer, loan move, or even a mutual termination if nothing materialises.
Sterling could move to another English club
While clubs from abroad are keen on his signature, Sterling wants to continue in Europe and preferably in England, where Crystal Palace and Leeds are keen on his signature.
The Eagles have expressed admiration for the English forward because of his versatility and experience. With Oliver Glasner keen on adding more depth to his attack, he could prove to be a very valuable addition. Ismaila Sarr is set to leave for the African Cup of Nations, and bringing in Sterling at the start of January could certainly help.
Meanwhile, Leeds, who are looking to avoid the drop, are also interested in the 31-year-old. He could prove to be a marquee signing for them, and he certainly has the pace, creativity and experience to help them out.
Leeds ‘set sights on Raheem Sterling’, January deal is now ‘inevitable’
Leeds United are among a number of Premier League clubs weighing up a move to sign Raheem Sterling as he looks set to leave Chelsea in January.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that it is now inevitable that the 31-year-old will leave Stamford Bridge.
Sterling was part of the Chelsea bomb squad during the summer but failed to find a move away, and has subsequently failed to play a single minute of football this season.
However, his reputation has remained strong amongst English clubs, who would be interested in handing him an opportunity away from Enzo Maresca‘s side.
Following a failed loan spell at Arsenal last year, there are concerns that the winger may have lost his legs, but Leeds are among those willing to take the gamble.
Leeds considering move to sign Raheem Sterling
Brown told Football Insider in August that West Ham were interested in signing Sterling after speaking to his agent, who made contact with a number of clubs.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Premier League clubs’ interest has lingered, with Leeds now emerging as contenders.
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“It’s inevitable Sterling will leave Chelsea,” he told Football Insider.
“When was the last time he played for Chelsea? He hasn’t been involved at all this season and he’s not a part of the manager’s plans there.
“So there’s no reason for him to stick around, he needs to get out and start playing again.
“I understand Leeds and other Premier League teams are looking at potentially taking him.
“They’re in need of attacking players, and at his best he would be an improvement on what they’ve got, it’s just a question of whether he is at his best these days.
“He went on loan to Arsenal last season and really struggled, barely played, and the amount of playing time he’s had over the last year is a major concern.
“If his legs have gone and it’s something were he’s declined physically, then he will struggle wherever he goes, and I hope that isn’t the case.
“But the clubs will know, they’ll assess what his issues have been, and then decide whether to take the gamble on him because he’s still regarded very highly.”
What Sterling must do to agree Chelsea exit in January
Football Insider revealed in September that Sterling would stay at Chelsea, causing a major issue for the Blues as he would not be part of Maresca’s plans.
There is now a growing feeling that he will leave the club in January after a long wait in search of finally getting back to playing regular minutes.
However, former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Sterling must take a pay cut to leave Chelsea if he wants to force through a move.
Whether the England international would remain in the Premier League has been a key sticking point, with only Saudi clubs prepared to cover his substantial fee.
However, should he opt to slash his pay in favour of a return to first-team action, Premier League clubs will be waiting to swoop in.
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