West Ham United turned down chance to sign Raheem Sterling before transfer deadline
West Ham United turned down the chance to sign Raheem Sterling before Arsenal took a punt on the attacker, according to the Independent.
The newspaper reported on its website (3 September) that Crystal Palace were another Premier League side that also waved away the former Manchester City man.
It is said that one of the reasons behind a move never coming to fruition could have been because Sterling’s physical age is now “much higher” than his actual age of 29 due to the number of professional games he’s played.
West Ham United dodged a bullet with Raheem Sterling
Of all the areas in West Ham’s squad that could have done with new arrivals on deadline day, wingers were not one of them.
Throughout the summer window, Julen Lopetegui managed to bolster his attacking ranks. The likes of Crysencio Summerville [talkSPORT, 5 August] and Brazilian starlet Luis Guilherme were brought in to alleviate some pressure off the shoulders of Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.
The Hammers invested heavily in their squad throughout the transfer window and, although Sterling’s arrival would have likely only been on a loan basis, the wages that they’d have needed to contribute would have no doubt crippled their wage structure.
This could have meant that the club wouldn’t have been able to show their interest in players such as Joel Matip [ExWHUEmployee, 3 September] and Mats Hummels as free agents, with talks continuing.
It remains to be seen whether Sterling’s transfer to North London will work out but for now at least, it feels as if West Ham have dodged a bullet by not signing the 29-year-old.
In other West Ham news, Jeff Stelling has responded to his “beef” with the Hammers.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.