Leeds United may be in contention to sign 31-year-old English winger Raheem Sterling in a bargain deal after his Chelsea departure.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Leeds United may be in contention to sign Raheem Sterling, as they “are being linked with a late window swoop” on a free transfer. The experienced English attacker has become a free agent after Chelsea terminated his contract by mutual consent. However, the former Manchester City forward wants to remain in London, leaving Crystal Palace and West Ham United in an advantageous situation.
Raheem Sterling and his situation
Raheem Sterling will soon embark on a new adventure after leaving Chelsea as a free agent this week. The Englishman’s stock steadily plummeted after he joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a deal worth £47.5 million in July 2022. Things have gone from bad to worse in the last 18 months, as after becoming a part of the “bomb squad” before the 2024/25 season, the 31-year-old endured a disastrous campaign on loan with Arsenal.
The English attacker has not managed a single minute in the 2025/26 season, and he has now left Chelsea. However, Sterling’s stock remains high, as several Premier League clubs have shown interest in him. Crystal Palace and West Ham United are also keen on rescuing him after his Chelsea disaster. However, Leeds United “are being linked with a move” this month.
What next?
Widespread reports have suggested that Leeds United will dip into the market for a versatile attacker to add to Daniel Farke’s offensive options. The German tactician wants players who can become Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s partner in the final third. Several candidates have thus emerged on Leeds United’s wishlist. However, a deal for Sterling will not materialise, as the player wants to remain in London.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s interest in Raheem Sterling makes sense. The Eagles are scouring the market for a versatile attacker this month amid uncertainties surrounding Christantus Uche’s long-term future. So, Sterling is a viable target, with Crystal Palace holding exploratory talks to sign the 31-year-old Englishman.
As for West Ham United, Nuno Espirito Santo wants more firepower in the final third as he looks to mastermind avoiding relegation from the Premier League in the second half of the 2025/26 season. While Pablo and Valentin Castellanos have joined West Ham, the Hammers need more quality on the flanks. So, Sterling is an option worth considering for the East London outfit.
With Sterling preferring to remain in London, Crystal Palace and West Ham are best-placed to seal a bargain deal for the veteran English attacker. With the World Cup coming in less than six months, the Chelsea flop will aim to find his next destination soon to rescue his fading hopes of returning to England’s squad.
