Image Credits: Imago Images
The January transfer window is already shaping up to be decisive for clubs across the Premier League. With the season at its midpoint, teams in the lower half of the table are looking to strengthen quickly to secure survival, while mid-table sides hope to build momentum for a push toward Europe. West Ham United, currently 18th and four points from safety, have identified key targets to reshape their squad. The Irons are balancing the need for experienced players who can make an immediate impact while also ensuring squad depth for the grueling second half of the season. Amid this, West Ham have reportedly turned their attention to a high-profile winger who has struggled for game time this season. Raheem Sterling, formerly of Liverpool, has not played at all since May after being sidelined by Chelsea’s previous management. The 31-year-old spent last season on loan at Arsenal, making 17 appearances but failing to score. Sterling’s career has seen him feature prominently in England and Europe: from 2012 to 2015 at Liverpool (95 appearances, 18 goals), 2015 to 2022 at Manchester City (225 appearances, 91 goals), 2022 onward at Chelsea (59 appearances, 14 goals), and 2024–2025 on loan at Arsenal (17 appearances, 0 goals). Now, he is considering his next move, with West Ham reportedly interested in bringing him in during January. As per the report, Sterling has made it clear that he wants a permanent deal or, at minimum, a loan with an obligation to buy. He is not open to a simple short-term loan due to his contract and desire for stability.
Reflecting on his past move, Sterling said: “I’m buzzing. It’s one where we left it late but it’s one I was hoping for. Looking at everything, I’m just like: ‘this is a perfect fit for me,’ and I’m super happy that we got it over the line. It’s a perfect fit for myself to be at a football club like this, where you can see that hunger, that desire, year on year, they are pushing and pushing and pushing. That’s exactly how I am as a person. Each year you want to get better and do better than the previous year. Hopefully I can gel really well with the boys and get going. It’s time now to meet the boys, get settled in and hopefully now see some game time and make my mark.” West Ham’s pursuit of Sterling comes as they also chase other attacking reinforcements, including Lazio striker Taty Castellanos and Gil Vicente forward Pablo. The club’s approach this January will be closely watched as results in the coming weeks are vital to their Premier League survival.
West Ham hold an interest in Raheem Sterling, as called by @ExWHUEmployee. However, my understanding is Sterling is seeking a permanent exit in January. As it stands, he is not open to a loan without an obligation to buy.🔵 pic.twitter.com/QlYQF5w9FE
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 1, 2026
Read more: BBC report Chelsea due for contract talks with former Liverpool player
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