Raheem Sterling’s nightmare spell in Chelsea’s "bomb squad" could be coming to an end, with a new report revealing that two Premier League clubs are ready to offer the winger a lifeline in January.
According to The Athletic’s latest transfer dealsheet, Chelsea have made moving the 31-year-old on a "priority" for the winter window. After failing to secure a permanent exit last summer following his loan spell at Arsenal, Sterling has been training away from the first team for the entire first half of the season.
The report confirms that Chelsea’s stance has softened significantly. While they previously held out for a substantial fee to recoup some of the £47.5million paid to Manchester City, the club is now understood to be willing to accept a figure as low as £20million to get his £325,000-a-week wages off the books.
A Battle for his Signature in London
Crucially for Sterling, his desire to remain in London appears to be the key to unlocking a deal. The Athletic notes that Fulham and Crystal Palace have both registered concrete interest in recent days.
Fulham are reportedly in talks over a potential loan-to-buy structure. Marco Silva is looking for experienced reinforcements to sustain their push for a top-half finish, and Sterling’s Premier League pedigree appeals to the Cottagers hierarchy. The main stumbling block remains the wage split, with Fulham requiring Chelsea to subsidise a significant portion of his salary.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace view Sterling as a potential marquee addition. Oliver Glasner is eager to add more firepower to his attack, and the opportunity to sign a four-time Premier League winner is seen as a "market opportunity" that could galvanise their season.
The "Bomb Squad" Reality
The situation at Cobham has become untenable. Sterling has not featured in a single competitive match for Chelsea this season, training in isolation alongside other exiled stars like Axel Disasi. The Athletic’s report highlights that there is "zero chance" of reintegration under Enzo Maresca, who made his feelings clear in the summer.
For Sterling, who still harbours faint hopes of an England recall ahead of the 2026 World Cup, January represents a final roll of the dice. Sitting in the stands for another six months would likely end his career at the elite level.
What Happens Next?
With Chelsea desperate to sell and Sterling desperate to play, a compromise feels inevitable. Expect Fulham to push hard in the opening week of the window. If they can agree on the wage structure, Sterling could be playing Premier League football at Craven Cottage by mid-January.