Raheem Sterling has until Thursday 5 February 2026 to complete a move to a new club if he wants to feature in the Premier League for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. The 31-year-old winger became a free agent last week after reaching a mutual agreement with Chelsea to terminate his contract, which still had 18 months to run and was paying him approximately Ā£325,000 per week. With the winter transfer window closed, Sterling can only join a Premier League club outside the window if he signs before the league's internal registration deadline for post-window free agents.
The former England international has been in discussions with several interested parties since his release, including Tottenham Hotspur, who received internal approval to pursue him on a permanent basis. Other clubs at home and abroad are also in the mix, but time is now the decisive factor. If Sterling does not sign with a Premier League side by Thursday, he would be unable to play in the competition until the summer window reopens ā a scenario that would severely limit his options and playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Why Thursday Matters for Premier League Eligibility
The Premier League's rules allow clubs to register free agents outside the transfer window, but only up to a specific cut-off point early in February. This deadline ensures administrative processing can be completed before the next round of fixtures. For Sterling, missing Thursday's deadline would restrict him to non-Premier League opportunities ā such as overseas moves or lower-tier English clubs ā until the summer. Given his stated preference to remain in London and continue playing at the highest level in England, the clock is now a critical pressure point in negotiations.
Sterling's representatives are working to finalise terms quickly. Any deal would likely involve a short-term contract (18ā30 months) with performance-related bonuses to mitigate risk for the acquiring club, given his age and recent lack of minutes. Chelsea's willingness to terminate early provided immediate wage relief but also left Sterling needing to act fast to maintain momentum in his career.
Market Reaction and Realistic Destinations
Betting markets have responded to the developing situation, with prices tightening on a Premier League return before Thursday. Tottenham remain clear favourites, reflecting their earlier internal green light and Sterling's London preference. The latest Raheem Sterling next club odds show strong market confidence in Spurs, though shorter-term overseas options have also attracted interest as contingency plans. The absence of a transfer fee makes the deal commercially attractive, with wages now the primary negotiation focus.
Sterling's recent form ā limited to just one goal and two assists during his 2024-25 loan at Arsenal ā means suitors are cautious about long-term commitments. However, his experience, versatility across the forward line, and proven Premier League pedigree still offer genuine value for a club needing depth or a short-term impact player. Tottenham, in particular, see him as a low-risk addition who could provide competition and creativity in wide areas during a transitional period.
High Stakes Ahead of Deadline
The next 48 hours represent a defining moment for Sterling. A successful Premier League move before Thursday would secure regular football and maintain his relevance at the highest level; failure would force a rethink, potentially pushing him towards a foreign league or a lower-profile English club until summer. For Tottenham and any other interested parties, the deadline adds urgency to finalise terms. Whatever the outcome, Sterling's situation illustrates the narrow windows free agents face outside traditional transfer periods and the importance of swift decision-making when career momentum is at stake.