Raheem Sterling is set to leave Chelsea before the transfer deadline after being informed that he does not feature in the club’s plans.
Sterling was not included in the squad for Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Manchester City and Enzo Maresca has been clear in his stance on the player’s future. The 29-year-old is now considering his options ahead of the August 30 deadline, but which clubs are leading the race for his services?
We’ve ranked the favourites to sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea.
West Ham – 25/1
West Ham could offer Sterling the chance to stay in the capital, following an exciting window of recruitment at the London Stadium. Julen Lopetegui has been backed in the market after his arrival as manager, with more than £100m spent on eight first-team signings.
However, with Luis Guilherme and Crysencio Summerville arriving to complement the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, another wide option does not appear to be a priority.
Sterling makes the breakthrough ⚽️#UCL pic.twitter.com/atjkYfbviA
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 11, 2023
Fenerbahce – 25/1
Could the ‘Special One’ lure Sterling to Turkey?
Jose Mourinho has taken charge of Fenerbahce this summer and some eye-catching arrivals, including Allen Saint-Maximin and Youssef En-Nesyri, have raised hopes of a first Süper Lig title in over a decade.
The move to the heated environment of Istanbul would represent a culture shock for Sterling if Fenerbahce can finance a deal.
Crystal Palace – 12/1
Crystal Palace could make an ambitious move to sign Sterling, having sold Michael Olise to Bayern Munich earlier in the transfer window. The Eagles war chest could be further boosted by the sales of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen, who are expected to depart South London for a combined £95m in the coming days.
Palace failed in an attempt to re-sign Wilfried Zaha and Sterling would represent a fine alternative. However, the winger might feel his ambitions are greater than a Crystal Palace team who have not finished higher than 10th in the top flight since 1991.
That is FABULOUS from Raheem Sterling 💫🤯 pic.twitter.com/jrd5GBhpyl
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 25, 2023
Arsenal – 8/1
Arsenal have been no strangers to signing stars from their London rivals, with William Gallas, David Luiz, Willian and Jorginho among the players to have gone directly from Chelsea to the Emirates.
The most recent, Kai Havertz, has been a big hit at Arsenal, so could the Gunners be tempted into another raid for an underperforming Chelsea asset? Mikel Arteta wants to add a winger to his squad and Sterling would fit the bill. However, it’s unlikely he would command an automatic role amid competition from Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli.
Newcastle United – 6/1
Newcastle are expected to enter the market for a winger before the deadline and news of Sterling’s availability could alert the Magpies.
Eddie Howe’s side have been linked with Chelsea teammate Noni Madueke but could pivot towards Sterling after his axing from Maresca’s plans. Premier League-proven, Sterling could be an astute addition to a team hoping to push back into European contention.
A pursuit could hinge on the cost involved, given Newcastle are pushing to land Marc Guehi in a club-record deal. Miguel Almiron’s failure to secure a move away from St James’ Park could also complicate matters.
Any Saudi Pro League side – 6/1
A Saudi Pro League transfer has been mooted for Sterling with interest in his services from the Middle East. A lucrative contract would be on offer for the winger, who could join ex-Chelsea teammates N’Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Kalidou Koulibaly in the big-spending league.
The move, however, would almost certainly end his 84-cap England career.
Sterling finishes off a fine team move. 😎#CFC | #MciChe pic.twitter.com/SsEd5hVw0O
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 17, 2024
Juventus – 7/2
Juventus are second-favourites to sign Sterling and this is perhaps the transfer on this list that will most appeal. The Turin side are beginning a refresh under new head coach Thiago Motta and have made some promising signings with Douglas Luiz and Khéphren Thuram among the recruits.
Having informed Federico Chiesa he can leave Turin, a winger looks next on the agenda for the Bianconeri before the deadline. The prospect of Champions League football and a title tilt in Turin would be difficult to turn down. After winning it all in England, a new challenge on the continent could await.
Aston Villa – 5/4
Aston Villa lead the running to sign Sterling having made an initial approach. Unai Emery is keen to bolster his squad ahead of the club’s Champions League campaign, with a forward on the agenda after the sale of Moussa Diaby to the Saudi Pro League.
Boasting top-level experience and an ability to operate across the frontline, Sterling could be a sensible signing for an ambitious Aston Villa if financially feasible.
Read – Aston Villa make move to sign frozen out Chelsea star Sterling
See more – Doubt cast on whether elite clubs ‘would want’ Chelsea winger Sterling
