Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling has made his preference for a January exit clear, with a move to fellow London club Fulham now his desired destination. The 31-year-old England international is seeking a permanent departure from Stamford Bridge, where he has fallen out of favour.
Sterling's London priority shapes transfer stance
Sterling has turned down interest from West Ham United, according to reports from The Times, as he holds out for a switch to Craven Cottage. His desire to remain in the capital to stay close to his family has been a decisive factor, mirroring his stance last summer when he declined moves to Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen while part of Chelsea's so-called 'bomb squad'.
The player is adamant that any departure must be a permanent transfer, not another loan deal. He spent the previous season on loan at Arsenal, reuniting with Mikel Arteta, but failed to secure a regular starting role. His return to Chelsea has seen him omitted from former manager Enzo Maresca's plans, a situation that may now change following the Italian's departure on New Year's Day. Nevertheless, Sterling's position remains firm: he will only consider a loan if it includes an obligation to buy.
Fulham's potential winger reshuffle could open door
Fulham had previously considered a move for Sterling earlier in the year, and his hopes for a transfer could be boosted by potential outgoing business at the club. New West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to add a winger and has identified Fulham's Adama Traore as a target. Should the Spaniard depart, it could create both a need and space for Sterling within Marco Silva's squad.
Meanwhile, West Ham, having been rejected by Sterling, are proceeding with other attacking reinforcements. The Hammers, entrenched in the relegation zone, are closing in on a £25 million deal for Lazio striker Taty Castellanos, with personal terms still under discussion. They have also lined up a £17 million move for Gil Vicente forward Pablo, taking their planned January spending on forwards to over £40 million as they fight for Premier League survival.
A Chelsea chapter failing to reignite former heights
Sterling's £47.5 million move to Chelsea in 2023 was intended to revive a career that had stalled at Manchester City, where he had previously won the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award. However, his time in West London has been underwhelming. He has managed just 19 goals in 81 appearances for the Blues, a far cry from the prolific form he displayed under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
With the January transfer window now open, all eyes are on whether Fulham will formalise their interest and offer Sterling a route back to regular football, bringing a disappointing Chelsea chapter to a close and keeping the experienced winger in the city he calls home.
