Raheem Sterling is searching for a new club to call home - and has already started narrowing down his options.
The 31-year-old has left Chelsea as of yesterday (January 28), with his contract being terminated by mutual consent. It comes after the winger had not played a competitive match for the Blues since May 2024.
Sterling was sidelined when Enzo Maresca took charge at the end of the 2023/24 season, and was dispatched on loan to Arsenal the following campaign. Unable to make an impression there, he returned to Stamford Bridge and had recently been training alone at Cobham.
Raheem Sterling has left Chelsea by mutual consent.placeholder image
Raheem Sterling has left Chelsea by mutual consent. | Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
While the winger’s prime is arguably behind him, Sterling still has plenty to offer as a player and squad member; despite commanding a tremendous salary, there are clubs that could both afford him, and benefit from having him around.
Last summer, when a move away from Chelsea was on the cards, Sterling had outlined his parameters for his next club, saying that for the sake of his family he wanted to stay in and around London, if possible.
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With that in mind, here are his best options now that he’s a free agent.
Fulham
This was the club Sterling wanted to join last summer, although the move fell through. Sterling would be a great addition at Craven Cottage, but regular first-team football would be far from guaranteed - even after the departure of Adama Traore.
With the likes of Alex Iwobi and Harry Wilson on the wings, it could be tough for the ex-Chelsea man to break into the starting XI. But given the state of other clubs on this list, Fulham would perhaps be his best option.
Crystal Palace
On paper, Crystal Palace seems like a smart move. The reigning FA Cup holders have just signed Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves, and under manager Oliver Glasner have a potent attacking line.
But beneath the surface, all is not as it seems. Glasner is leaving the club at the end of the season, and players have been jumping ship left, right and centre - Eberechi Eze left last season, Marc Guehi this month and Jean-Philippe Mateta is also rumoured to be on his way out.
Sterling would surely get gametime at Selhurst Park, but time will tell whether he would be joining a sinking ship or not.
Brentford
At the end of last season, I would have said Sterling should avoid Brentford like the plague. The Bees once again faced an exodus of top talent, with captain Christian Norgaard, forward Bryan Mbeumo and even manager Thomas Frank leaving the side.
Despite this, the club has once again reinvented itself and shown that despite being a selling club, they are a resilient one. While Sterling might want a move to Brentford, the question remains - would Brentford want him?
It’s a club where egos are put aside and team play is the top priority, and I’m just not sure if Sterling - and his massive wage bill - fits that description.
Watford
Dropping down to the Championship would be mental for a player of Sterling’s calibre, but hear me out.
The move would keep him in London, and guarantee him immediate first-team football. He would absolutely dominate the Championship, could spearhead Watford back to the Premier League and give himself the reputation of a club legend.
It’s certainly a gamble, and one that could go either way, but having jumped around so many top sides over the years, wouldn’t it be nice to be remembered in such a positive light by fans?
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