Sterling Eyes Shock Chelsea Exit as Dream Destination Emerges
Raheem Sterling is said to be waiting for a permanent transfer to Fulham, Chelsea's west London neighbors, having already turned down approaches from West Ham United during this transfer window.
The trajectory has been a stunning fall for the five-time Premier League winner. Just over a year ago, Sterling was finding the net for Chelsea as a consistent starter. Even as recently as eight months past, he featured in Arsenal's Champions League semifinal squad. However, the 31-year-old hasn't played competitively since his north London loan concluded in May, having been relegated to Chelsea's "bomb squad."
His former manager Enzo maresca has departed Stamford Bridge, though Sterling appears set for new surroundings as well. The Times indicates that the ex-Manchester City and Liverpool attacker declined West Ham's loan proposal from the relegation-threatened club "in hopes" of finding an alternative exit from Chelsea.
Sterling is believed to be waiting for a permanent departure—with 18 months remaining on his high-value Chelsea deal—and would "favor" staying in London. With Crystal Palace chasing Brennan Johnson, Fulham emerge as his most probable destination. Nevertheless, questions remain about whether the Cottagers possess sufficient resources for a transfer in a position they already strengthened during the summer.
Kevin arrived from Shakhtar Donetsk for a club-record €40 million (£34.9 million, $46.9 million) following Willian's exit. The 22-year-old continues adapting to Premier League demands and has managed only six league starts this campaign. That's still six more than Sterling, who hasn't even trained with Chelsea's senior squad throughout these extended months of exile.
The report notes that the former England star hasn't completely dismissed an overseas move. Interest was believed to exist from Napoli and Bayern Munich last summer, though whether that attraction persists during his ongoing absence is uncertain.
Sterling May Benefit From Transfer Merry-Go-Round
Sterling's refusal of West Ham could, inadvertently, facilitate his transfer to Fulham. After being turned down by a player with 123 Premier League goals, the Hammers are anticipated to redirect their attention to another winger who has netted 14 times in England's premier division.
Adama Traore has struggled to recreate the Wolves chemistry he shared with Raúl Jiménez along the Thames. Simply earning playing time proves challenging for the Barcelona youth product, who has managed just one Premier League start throughout the entire season.
Urgent situations demand bold solutions in east London, and securing Traore, plus forwards Pablo and Taty Castellanos from Gil Vicente and Lazio respectively, might create a significant opening in Fulham's squad for Sterling to occupy.