Leeds United have been linked with an audacious move for Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling as the club look to strengthen in the January transfer window.
Daniel Farke has some difficult decisions to make over the make-up of his Leeds squad as the January transfer window approaches.
With Leeds currently sitting just outside the bottom three in the Premier League, the 49ers know they need to get their business right in the January transfer window.
Having missed out on a deal for Harry Wilson in the summer transfer window, strengthening in attack remains the top priority for the Whites, who are riding high after taking points off Chelsea and Liverpool.
However, Raheem Sterling is not the right answer for Farke’s side, particularly after the Leeds boss’ recent system change.
Who do you want Leeds to sign in January? A striker surely has to be the priority!
Harry Wilson in action for Fulham.
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
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Raheem Sterling is the wrong fit for Leeds United’s attack
Sterling’s time at Chelsea appears to be coming to an end, after Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca admitted he would be allowed to leave the club.
However, just because he is available and has a significant pedigree does not mean that the 49ers should be tempted to roll the dice on the forward.
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Leeds have looked at their most dangerous in recent weeks, with the dual threat of Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the line.
When Noah Okafor replaced Nmecha against Liverpool, Leeds’ forward line looked less effective, with the Swiss international unable to provide the same physical presence that Nmecha provides.
Which player would you be happy for Leeds to sell in January to fund their transfer business? Let us know in the comments… 🤔💰
The likes of Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto are struggling to force their way into Farke's plans.
Joel Piroe in action for Leeds United
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With Willy Gnonto, the injured Dan James and Jack Harrison all waiting in the wings, Leeds are well-stocked for wide players. However, with just Joel Piroe providing competition in attack, Leeds remain vulnerable to a serious injury to Calvert-Lewin or Nmecha.
When Sterling’s lack of playing time and significant wage demands are added to the equation, the deal appears to make little sense for the Whites.
When did Raheem Sterling last score in the Premier League?
Despite Paul Merson arguing that Sterling should join Leeds, the Whites should proceed with caution before pursuing a deal.
According to TransferMarkt, Sterling has 123 Premier League goals to his name, significantly more than any player in the Leeds squad. However, the last of those came well over a year ago.
Archie Gray and Raheem Sterling in action during Chelsea's FA Cup win v Leeds.
Photo by David Horton – CameraSport via Getty Images
Sterling failed to find the net last season during his loan spell at Arsenal, as he played 496 minutes over 17 Premier League appearances.
His last goal came in May 2024, as he helped Chelsea secure European qualification in a 2-1 win over Bournemouth. 18 months on, there is little evidence to suggest he is the right man to fire Leeds to safety.
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