Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling in Transfer Limbo as West Ham Loan Bid Rejected

LONDON, January 28, 2026 – Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea nightmare continues, with the exiled winger and the club facing a familiar stalemate as the January transfer window enters its final days. Sources confirm a loan approach from West Ham United has been rejected, with both Sterling and Chelsea holding out for a permanent solution to end his costly and unproductive stay at Stamford Bridge.

The Current Standoff

According to reports, West Ham inquired about taking the 31-year-old on loan for the remainder of the season. However, the proposal was turned down by both the player and the club. Sterling is reportedly only prepared to consider a permanent transfer or a loan deal with an unconditional obligation to buy. Chelsea, desperate to remove his significant wages from their books, share the preference for a clean break.

Sterling’s preference is believed to be remaining in London, which narrows his potential suitors. Fulham, who showed interest during the summer window, remain a possible destination if they revive their pursuit. The England international has been training away from the first-team squad at Cobham for months and is not part of the club’s plans.

The Road to Exile

Sterling’s fall from grace at Chelsea has been protracted. After a £47.5 million (approx. $82 million CAD) move from Manchester City in 2022, his form was inconsistent. The arrival of manager Enzo Maresca in the summer of 2024 proved the final straw. Maresca informed Sterling he was not in his plans and preferred “a different kind of winger.”

This led to a season-long loan to Arsenal for the 2024-25 campaign, a move that reunited him with former City assistant Mikel Arteta. The spell was largely unsuccessful, with Sterling scoring just once in 28 appearances across all competitions and failing to secure a regular starting role. He returned to Chelsea in June 2025 and was immediately exiled, training with a separate “loan group” and barred from first-team facilities.

Financial Hurdles and Valuation

The major obstacle to a transfer remains Sterling’s contract. He is believed to earn in excess of £300,000 per week (approx. $520,000 CAD), a figure that deters most clubs. Chelsea have previously subsidised wages, as they did during his Arsenal loan, and may have to do so again to facilitate a move.

Chelsea’s asking price has reportedly softened significantly. During the summer of 2025, the club was said to be seeking around £20 million (approx. $34.5 million CAD), a sharp drop from the £25-£30 million figures quoted in prior windows. Independent valuations now place his market value between €6-8 million (approx. $8.8-$11.8 million CAD), reflecting his age, high wages, and recent lack of impact.

Sterling’s Career at a Crossroads

p>Once considered one of England’s most dynamic forwards, Sterling’s career has stalled since his departure from Manchester City. A key figure in City’s domestic dominance and a star for England during their run to the Euro 2020 final, he has not featured for the national team since the 2022 World Cup. His last permanent transfer remains his move to Chelsea nearly four years ago, and at 31, finding a club willing to match his financial demands and offer a fresh start is becoming increasingly difficult.

Key Facts & Figures: Raheem Sterling

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Raheem Sterling not playing for Chelsea?

Sterling is not part of the manager’s plans. Former coach Enzo Maresca explicitly told him he would not feature, a stance that has continued since Sterling’s return from an unsuccessful loan at Arsenal. He has been training with a separate group of players deemed surplus to requirements.

Will Raheem Sterling leave Chelsea in January 2026?

It is possible, but challenging. Both the player and club want a permanent transfer, but his high wages are a major barrier. A loan with an obligation to buy is Sterling’s preferred temporary solution. The rejection of West Ham’s loan offer shows both sides are holding firm on their conditions.

What about a return to the England squad?

Sterling has not been selected for England since the 2022 World Cup. His lack of club football makes an international recall highly unlikely in the immediate future. Regaining form at a new club would be the first step towards any England return.