Credit: Imago

Alex Charlton

Wed 6 August 2025 13:10, UK

Raheem Sterling faces an uncertain future, with West Ham one of several clubs linked with the winger.

The 30-year-old spent last season on loan with Arsenal. However, he cut a peripheral figure at the Emirates Stadium.

He has now returned to Chelsea, but is not expected to be part of Enzo Maresca’s plans in West London.

As a result, Sterling has been linked with West Ham, as Jeff Stelling and Andy Townsend deliver their verdict on such a move.

Sterling not backed to deliver at West Ham

Graham Potter managed Sterling at Chelsea and could be reunited with the Englishman this summer.

Once an England regular, the winger has struggled to hit the highs of his Manchester City days and is no longer needed at Chelsea.

While a move to the London Stadium is a possibility, the numbers involved could prevent Sterling from moving to West Ham.

Last season, the 30-year-old made 28 appearances in all competitions, although most of those came from the bench.

Now, Stelling and Townsend have had their say on whether Sterling would be a good signing for West Ham while speaking on talkSPORT (6 July, 07:51am).

Townsend said: “There’s no doubting his pedigree, but I just think he is past his best unfortunately, and it’s a little bit sad to see what’s happened to him.

“It must be tough for him being completely out of the picture at Stamford Bridge. Would he turn up at West Ham and reignite his career? I don’t think so.”

Stelling replied: “I think we saw when he moved to Arsenal on loan, we thought, okay, we might see the real [Raheem] Sterling again now, this might reignite his career, and of course it didn’t, it was desperate, wasn’t it?

“Now, I look back at his record, and you know there’s a player in there. I have no idea what’s happened, why his career has sort of fallen off the edge of a cliff, but somebody in the Premier League has got to take a chance on him… I’m not sure it’s West Ham, no, not sure it’s West Ham.”

Sterling would be a huge gamble for Potter

The Hammers have already taken a risk in signing Callum Wilson, given his atrocious injury record.

Now, they could be set to take another one in Sterling, who has several red flags to his name.

Firstly, the winger has been on the decline for some time now, and his performances have highlighted that.

Furthermore, he is on substantial wages at Chelsea, meaning that unless he takes a pay cut, the Irons must fork out big money.

• Sterling lost his place in the England squad
• Has been unable to replicate his form from Man City
• He is no longer needed by Chelsea

Of course, Sterling would argue that at 30, he still has something to offer, but the East London club cannot afford to take that risk.

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