Despite being sidelined at Chelsea, pundit Dean Saunders suggests that Raheem Sterling is still in his `prime` and possesses the quality to play for Manchester United. However, a more reliable source has indicated that two other London clubs are far more realistic destinations for the veteran winger.
Sterling has been entirely frozen out of the Chelsea project this season, marking a serious downturn for a player who has spent his entire senior career among the elite, having previously played for Liverpool and Manchester City before joining the Blues. Contracted until 2027, Sterling urgently needs a move to revitalize his career, with the upcoming January transfer window representing his most crucial opportunity to leave.
It has been a significant period since fans last saw Sterling perform at his best, yet former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders boldly proposed a sensational transfer to Manchester United.
“He should be at the height of his career. That’s when you’re at your prime,” Saunders argued. “I don’t even know where he is now. But if I were a club now, any team in the Premier League, I would sign Raheem Sterling.
“If you haven’t got to pay a fee for him, and you can get his wages sort of halved or whatever, or they pay most of his wages to give you a really good deal, he is definitely good enough to play in the Premier League.”
Saunders continued by suggesting Sterling’s versatility makes him an asset for top-tier sides:
“If you’re looking to strengthen your team, he could play anywhere, couldn`t he? He could play for Man Utd. I would say Man Utd, Spurs, he could get in any of the teams that are just below the top, trying to win the league.”
While playing for an elite club may have once been true, the reality looks distinctly different for Sterling heading into January. The player himself reportedly prefers to remain in London, but he must prove himself at the top level again—a difficult task given his recent lack of game time.
This is not to say he isn`t good enough for the Premier League, but he is more likely to find interest at the mid-table level, especially if he is willing to accept a reduction in his substantial wages.
Insider reports suggest that two clubs currently stand out as the `only realistic` Premier League options for Sterling. Fulham previously considered signing him last summer but ultimately hesitated and backed away from a deal. Crystal Palace, who are actively searching for a winger, remains a plausible option, although sources indicate they might view him as a backup plan rather than a primary target.
Both Fulham and Palace have reportedly been informed of the conditions required for any potential deal. However, these clubs are generally committed to finding younger players for their wide positions. A move abroad would only be considered by Sterling if it involves securing a long-term contract.
Mark Thompson
