Fulham are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling on deadline day.
The Cottagers have had an underwhelming transfer window this summer so far. Their only signing being Benjamin Lecomte from Montpellier. It’s been no secret that since the window opened, Marco Silva’s side have been browsing the market for a winger option to boost their attack.
Reiss Nelson was first looked at in the early stages of the summer, but Fulham failed to reach an agreement with Arsenal and ultimately Nelson wanted to explore other options. Kevin has been linked throughout. The Brazilian seemed certain to sign with Fulham agreeing a fee with Shakhtar Donetsk but agreeing personal terms has been an issue.
AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze is another player that Fulham have been chasing however talks are progressing but yet to be finalised. Signing a winger will be crucial for the Cottagers’ and their European qualification hopes this season.
It seems that their attention has also turned to Raheem Sterling. Sterling hasn’t featured for Chelsea since August last year in a pre-season friendly against Inter Milan. The Englishman is desperate for a move and to play regular football.
Fulham considering Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling has had an extremely difficult few years. Since leaving Manchester City in the summer of 2022. He joined Chelsea for around 56 million euros but failed to make an impact close to the levels he reached playing for Pep Guardiola.
Accoridng to Fabrizio Romano, Fulham have revived interest in Sterling and are considering him as an option for the final day. Deals for Kevin and Chukwueze are ongoing.
It would show real intent of wanting to succeed from Fulham if they were to sign at least two of their attacking targets on deadline day.
How did Raheem perform last season?
Sterling spent the whole of last season on loan at Arsenal. He stated in his announcement video that ‘You’re about to see the best of me’ but this was not the case. He looked like a man playing with zero confidence and had virtually no impact in front of goal.
The 30-year-old played 28 times for the gunners. He did have glimpses of his old self especially against PSV in the Champions League where he assisted two goals and picked up the player of the match award but overall, he struggled massively.
He managed to register a goal against Bolton in the Carabao Cup but that was all he could manage during the ten months playing at the Emirates leaving Arsenal fans underwhelmed and disappointed.
Would Sterling be a good signing for Fulham?
A lot of people would say that this wouldn’t be a signing that elevates Fulham’s current side but then some would argue that talent doesn’t just disappear. Sterling was once regarded as one of the best wingers in the Premier League, if not the best.
He scored 129 goals for Manchester City between 2015 and 2022. Most notably, in 2019/20 he scored 31 goals in all competitions and was pretty much unstoppable.
He is also a serial winner. Sterling won four Premier League titles, five League Cups, the FA Cup and Community Shield whilst also pushing deep in the Champions League on a frequent occasion and contributing heavily to the England national team.
There is definitely a player in there it’s just about how much Raheem wants to find himself again and if Marco Silva in this case can get the best out of him. If that can happen then he could prove to be a real asset to Fulham this season.