‘Leeds and Sunderland could now agree cut-price Raheem Sterling deal’
Raheem Sterling is set to be available once again this summer after falling out of favour with Chelsea.
The winger, who turns 31 later this year, scored just one goal in 28 appearances on loan with Arsenal in the 2024-25 campaign.
He remains under contract until June 2027 at Chelsea after joining the Stamford Bridge club for around £47.5million in 2022.
Sterling is a four-time Premier League winner and has scored 123 goals in the English top flight.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed promoted clubs Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland could now strike a shock move for the ex-Man City star.
‘Chelsea will subsidise Sterling’s next move’, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted the three promoted clubs could be the only options available for Sterling in the Premier League.
Chelsea are expected to sign winger reinforcements for Enzo Maresca this summer as their lavish transfer spending continues.
Wyness insisted the Blues will have to heavily subsidise Sterling’s next move.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I think it’s going to be a big problem to move him on.
“I think you’re really going to be restricted, in my opinion, to the three clubs coming up – Leeds, Burnley, Sunderland. I think that’s where he might find a space.
“But again, the wages are going to have to be really heavily subsidised to get him any move at all. But I think it’s going to come to the point that that will be the case.
“It’s going to be a difficult move and I don’t know how long he’s got left on his contract yet, but still it’s going have to be Chelsea subsidising those heavily to get him out there.
“Chelsea will need any contribution towards his wages they can get and they might as well take it because he’s not going to be contributing to Maresca in that squad.
“I don’t think he’s worth having on the bench as far as Maresca is concerned.”
Leeds given green light to sign Newcastle star
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on Sunday (15 June) that Leeds and Everton have been told Newcastle will accept £10million offers for Sean Longstaff.
Longstaff is set to enter the final year of his contract in Eddie Howe’s side, with his long-term future now regarded as “definitely” away from St James’ Park.
Leeds have now entered the race for the 27-year-old’s signature as Daniel Farke is planning to add Premier League experience to his squad.
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