FIFA boost Fulham hopes of beating giants to blockbuster signing
FIFA’s new rules looks to have given Fulham the opportunity to sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea this summer ahead of other foreign rivals.
It’s fair to say that Sterling’s loan to Arsenal did not go to plan as the 30-year-old failed to make an impression on the other side of London.
The winger made just 13 starts for the Gunners across all competitions, frequently being utilised off the bench.
The former Man City star scored just once for the north London outfit with his sole goal coming in the League Cup.
Now back at Stamford Bridge, Sterling will be assessing his options as he sits far down Enzo Maresca’s pecking order with the new addition of Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund.
Whilst few clubs would take the plunge to sign the Englishman on a permanent basis, a loan move could be on the cards before the end of the transfer window.
FIFA rule could favour Fulham
The Telegraph (25 July) reported that Fulham could beat Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus to Sterling’s signature due to a FIFA rule change.
FIFA have altered the loan limit, allowing teams a maximum of six players joining foreign teams temporarily.
This would suggest that the imposition would favour the Cottagers, given many of Chelsea’s players look likely to be heading to multi-club owned Strasbourg in France as well as other European names.
The proposition means as the Blues prioritise deals for future Chelsea stars, such as Carney Chukwuemeka who was on loan at Dortmund last season, a loan move for Sterling in England seems more likely.
Fulham looking for first 2025 summer signing
Football Insider verdict
So far, it has been all quiet at Craven Cottage in terms of incomings.
There have been no new additions for Fulham, but club captain Tom Cairney has returned on a new one-year contract extension.
Marco Silva is sure to be frustrated with the lack of spending as he aims to get the Cottagers closer to European football next season.
Reportedly, Silva has been looking to bring last season Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson to south London, despite his injury-ridden campaign.
As it stands, Harry Wilson is the only out-and-out right winger at the club, a position Sterling could look to pin down if he were to join Chelsea’s neighbours.
The England international will be looking to revive his career as he bids to push into Thomas Tuchel‘s England setup ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
With two years left on his Chelsea contract, if the ex-Liverpool man impressed under Silva, he may be able to bag a move away from Stamford Bridge.
This summer window is a pivotal moment for the 123-time Premier League goal scorer who must be decisive if he has any chance of restarting his career.