West Ham exclusive on Raheem Sterling.
(Credit: Imago)
Declan Carr
Mon 11 August 2025 7:10, UK
West Ham have been linked with a sensational swoop for Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling.
Sterling has endured a tough run of form since leaving Manchester City, failing to convince in his time at Stamford Bridge.
He was sent on loan to Arsenal last season but struggled to make an impact as they lost out on the Premier League title to Liverpool.
The London Stadium outfit are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements, but whether the ex-England star is the right fit is questionable.
Graham Potter sitting
Graham Potter needs fresh talent in his front three. (Credit: Imago)
The article contains the exclusive opinion of iconic football commentator Ian Darke.
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West Ham signing Sterling would be a mistake
Graham Potter is understood to be keen on reuniting with Sterling in East London this summer after losing Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham.
Darke believes that a move for the ex-City star would be a major gamble for the Hammers and questioned whether he would even start.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, he said: “It’s a punt.
“The Raheem Sterling of four years ago would be great business, but his career needs a coat of paint after next to no impact on loan at Arsenal on loan last season.
“Will he even make the starting lineup?”
Potter may feel like he can get the best out of Sterling
At his best, Sterling is a lethal winger, one of the best in the division, but he has not been at that level for several years now.
He is an electric player, capable of changing a game almost single-handedly; however, it remains to be seen whether he can get back to that form or if he is finished at the top level.
If Potter can get the best out of him, after previously managing him at Chelsea, it could prove to be an inspired decision to bring him on board from David Sullivan and revive his career.
Sterling’s career so far:
Liverpool (2012-15) – 129 appearances, 23 goals, 18 assists
Manchester City (2015-22) – 339 appearances, 131 goals, 86 assists
Chelsea – (2022-present) 81 appearances, 19 goals, 15 assists
Arsenal (2024/25, loan) – 28 appearances, one goal, five assists
However, if not, it may be the latest in a long line of transfer mistakes that the Hammers can ill-afford to make right now.
Former West Ham star Shaka Hislop has previously warned the Hammers about signing Sterling after he signed for the Gunners.
Speaking to ESPN on 30 August 2024, he said: “I understand Arsenal want bodies, want pedigree, and they find that in Raheem Sterling, but Sterling has done nothing in the last two years that suggests he makes Arsenal any better, even as a squad player.
“And so if we are here talking about a £20million package or £150,000 a week for a player who is there to cover Saka, to give him a rest, to maybe add some experience to a dressing room, I find that a lot of money to pay for a player who doesn’t make you better. I just don’t see the value in this.”
If the E20 outfit get it wrong, they may find themselves in a relegation battle, and Potter may find himself looking for a new job, with the process of misery in East London beginning all over again.
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