FootballTalk - Episode 210: Leeds United, Doncaster Rovers and Rob Edwards' sour exit from Middlesbrough
Leeds United have been linked with a shock move for frozen-out Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling.
Once considered among the Premier League elites, Sterling’s stock has taken a dramatic tumble in recent years.
Chelsea forked out a reported £47.5m to sign the wideman from Manchester City in 2022, but he has not made their 25-man Premier League squad this term.
An 82-cap England international, Sterling needs to get his career back on track and it has been claimed he could be given the chance to do so in Yorkshire.
Raheem Sterling has been frozen out of the first-team picture at Chelsea.placeholder image
Raheem Sterling has been frozen out of the first-team picture at Chelsea. | OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Leeds United linked with shock move
According to SportsBoom, Leeds and Crystal Palace are set to battle it out for the former Liverpool man’s signature.
The report claims that Chelsea are prepared to heavily subsidise his wages, potentially paving the way for a move to a club that would ordinarily deem him beyond their price range.
A preference to remain down south has been referenced, potentially thwarting the Whites, although Leeds are said to believe the offer of regular football could prove tempting.
Sterling’s reputation may no longer be what it was, but it is hard to imagine a player of such calibre not adding some firepower to the Leeds or Palace frontlines.
In addition, he has been training away from the main first-team group at Chelsea and would most likely relish the chance to be a main man again. He spent last season on loan at Arsenal, but the spell failed to breathe life into his career.
Raheem Sterling spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Arsenal.placeholder image
Raheem Sterling spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Arsenal. | Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Leeds United’s winger department
Leeds have been hit by injuries out wide of late, although Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James are once again fit.
The pair can now challenge Noah Okafor, Brenden Aaronson and Jack Harrison for spots out wide. If Sterling did make a surprise move to LS11, it would most likely spark talk of a potential exit.