The confidence is growing in the Crystal Palace camp regarding a late summer move for 29-year-old out-of-favour Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling.
According to a report by Give Me Sport, Raheem Sterling is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are keen on reinforcing their offensive department before the summer transfer window shuts down by signing the Chelsea attacker. And they are growing in confidence to sign the 29-year-old out-of-favour forward in the next few days.
Raheem Sterling and his Chelsea journey so far
Raheem Sterling has reached a crossroads in his career after starting the 2024/25 season without featuring in the matchday squad in the first two games. The Englishman, who joined Chelsea in a deal worth £50 million in July 2022, does not feature in Enzo Maresca’s plans for the 2024/25 season, with the Italian tactician informing the player of the decision.
The 29-year-old did not set the stage alight in his first two seasons with the West London club, managing only 19 goals and 12 assists in 81 appearances thus far. Despite that, Maresca’s decision to banish Sterling has shocked the football world, considering the player’s high ceiling.
The England international is now waiting to embark on his next adventure before the summer transfer window shuts down. Otherwise, he will run the risk of going the first half of the 2023/24 season without any game time. Intermediaries have offered Sterling to several well-known clubs, while Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are keen on signing him.
Move across London on the horizon?
Crystal Palace’s interest in Raheem Sterling is understandable. The Eagles have been scouring the market for a wide attacker throughout the summer transfer window after losing Michael Olise, who has joined Bayern Munich. So, several candidates have emerged on Crystal Palace’s radar, with the Chelsea forward a viable target.
While Chelsea cannot recoup anything close to the £50 million they coughed up to secure Raheem Sterling’s services two years ago, they must get rid of him after Maresca’s decision. Nevertheless, the confidence is growing in the Crystal Palace camp over a late summer move.
However, Sterling’s £325,000-a-week wages might be a stumbling block for Crystal Palace. So, the 29-year-old Englishman will need to take a pay cut to join the South London club as his Chelsea career winds down.
