Raheem Sterling making West Ham transfer decision after sporting director’s reveal
Raheem Sterling could move to the Saudi Pro League or an MLS club rather than stay in the Premier League amid interest from West Ham.
Sterling left Chelsea by mutual consent earlier this week after six months out in the cold following his return from a loan spell at Arsenal.
Sterling struggled to make an impact in North London, with just one goal in 28 games, and he returned to Chelsea last summer but was frozen out by Enzo Maresca.
Sources have told Football Insider that West Ham are interested in signing Sterling now that he is a free agent, with Fulham and Crystal Palace also keeping tabs on him as it stands.
They are not the only clubs tracking his services right now, though, with a move to the Saudi Pro League possibly in the pipeline, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast.
Sterling could move abroad despite Premier League interest
Napoli have reportedly made contact with Sterling over a possible move to the Serie A champions, but he is taking his time to weigh up all the options at his disposal.
Sterling was previously only looking at moves to London clubs due to his family situation, but a switch abroad could now appeal at 31-years-old, especially after his recent Premier League struggles.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I don’t think Sterling has made any definitive decision on his future. He is open to all options.
“He is more than happy to consider moves outside of London. He also could be interested in a move away from the Premier League.
“Napoli were interested in the former England international in the summer, but their sporting director has come out and said that, although they are admirers of Sterling, it would be a difficult deal to do because of the finances involved.
“I think there’ll be interest from the Saudi Pro League and you’ll have interest from the MLS and Turkey as well.
“Sterling won’t be short of options despite the unhappy time that he’s had at Chelsea in the last couple of seasons.”
Leeds are not interested in signing Sterling anymore
Sources told Football Insider before January that Leeds were eyeing a move for Sterling ahead of a possible Chelsea exit.
Their situation has changed over the last month though, with just one loss in 10 league games to move clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
They are not in dire need of new attacking additions anymore, and have already signed Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Chelsea to bolster Daniel Farke’s final third options.
Sources have now told Football Insider that Leeds will not pursue a move for Sterling over the coming weeks, leaving the likes of West Ham, Fulham and Palace with respectively better chances of signing him.