Raheem Sterling: The Premier League clubs that can rejuvenate his career

Raheem Sterling’s release from Chelsea on Wednesday came as no surprise after months in exile, but what his next steps will be are less clear.

Despite being an 82-cap England international, Sterling’s career has been on the slide since he departed Manchester City to join Chelsea. After two seasons at Stamford Bridge, where he scored eight Premier League goals in 2023/24, he moved on loan to Arsenal for a year, struggled at the Emirates and found himself frozen out with the Blues when he returned in the summer.

With no viable pathway to first-team football, the 31-year-old, who also lists Liverpool among his former clubs, mutually agreed to terminate his contract 18 months early.

“He’s a magnificent guy,” said Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior. “He’s a magnificent player.

“There are a lot of positive things going on in the background that I really have nothing to do with.

“So I wish Raheem and his family all the very best in his future and I hope he has a really good rest of his career.”

Sterling at a crossroads

Naturally, there are questions over what Sterling’s next stop will be. He could elect to continue at the highest level or look for a lucrative payday in the likes of the Saudi Pro League or MLS.

If he elects to stay in Europe, there are some attractive options at which he could shine, potentially reigniting a stalled career.

Using SciSports’ Career Advice tool, which gives each team a Club Fit score based on a variety of metrics from development and playing time to style and formation, certain frontrunners emerge.

West Ham and Brentford the pick of the Premier League clubs

West Ham looks a particularly interesting option for Sterling, who is already London-based. The Irons enjoy a Club Fit of 80, with the former Chelsea man tipped to get plenty of first-team opportunities. After so long kicking his heels on the sidelines, no doubt this is an attractive proposition. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are also an excellent match for him in style.

For the Hammers, there’s a sense that it’s time to roll the dice. They are embroiled in a relegation battle, and while they need players to arrive and immediately shine, Sterling could be seen as a relatively low-cost option for the next five months given he would arrive as a free agent.

Brentford match West Ham’s Club Fit score of 80. The Bees’ strength is in what they could offer Sterling in terms of his development and ability to get back up to his peak level, SciSports claims. However, there is less prospect of first-team football.

This deal looks less likely than a move to West Ham. Sterling, for the moment, seems a short-team option, which goes against the transfer ethos of Brentford.

Nottingham Forest (78) and Fulham (76) both score handily, although each only gets two stars for playing time.

Options abroad

Elsewhere in Europe, there are some tempting possibilities should they arise.

Europa League hopefuls Lyon are one of those teams. The Ligue 1 side are a strong all-round fit for Sterling and get a score of 78. With wingers Ernest Nuamah and Malick Fofana both currently out with serious injuries, the Englishman would likely get more playing time than SciSports’ assessment of three stars suggests.

The other really eye-catching possibility would be a move to Serie A, where Cesc Fabregas’ Como are given a 78 Club Fit score. Spending comparatively big, Sterling would be a marquee arrival for the club as they push for European qualification.

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