Crystal Palace have emerged as the early favourites to sign Raheem Sterling before the February 2026 transfer deadline, with the winger’s situation at Chelsea becoming increasingly untenable. Sterling is yet to feature for Chelsea this season, which has fuelled growing speculation that he will push for a January exit.
The 30 year old has been frozen out of Enzo Maresca’s squad, along with Axel Disasi, following his unsuccessful loan spell at Arsenal last season.
Sterling’s exclusion from Maresca’s plans has been one of the major talking points of Chelsea’s campaign. With the new manager committed to a controlled and possession driven style, Sterling has found himself surplus to requirements. Attempts to secure a permanent transfer over the summer collapsed, including proposed moves to Fulham and West Ham, which left the England international with no clear future at Stamford Bridge. With no pathway back into the first team, a winter departure now appears increasingly likely.
Crystal Palace lead the betting at 9/4 and their interest has strengthened as Sterling’s position at Chelsea has worsened. Oliver Glasner wants to add proven top level experience to his attack and Sterling’s ability to play on either wing would immediately enhance Palace’s attacking threat. Bringing such a high profile player to Selhurst Park would be a significant statement for the club, although the wage structure and long term financial implications will be key factors.
Bayern Munich are second favourites at 7/2 and the Bundesliga champions have a record of exploring value driven signings when established players become available. Sterling’s Champions League experience and tactical intelligence would be attractive to Bayern and he would provide reliable depth across the front line. However, Bayern tend to prioritise players with resale value, which could make a move challenging unless the financial terms are favourable.
Fulham are listed at 5/1 and remain a realistic Premier League option. They showed strong interest in the summer before a permanent deal collapsed. Marco Silva still wants more competition in wide areas and Sterling would bring a level of proven Premier League quality that Fulham currently lack. The main obstacle is likely to be Sterling’s wage demands, which may prove difficult unless Fulham reshuffle their squad.
Manchester United sit at 9/1 in the market and their involvement appears speculative. INEOS seem focused on recruiting younger attacking talent but the club does need depth. A move for Sterling would depend on United’s priorities in January and whether they view him as a short term solution to a position that requires experience.
Two broader market categories remain possible. Any Saudi Arabian team at 14/1 and any MLS team at 14/1 could emerge with offers. Saudi clubs continue to pursue experienced Premier League players with significant financial packages, while a move to MLS could appeal if Sterling seeks a new lifestyle alongside a competitive role. At this stage there is no indication that Sterling is ready to leave European football, but the options remain open.
Leeds at 16/1 and Liverpool at 25/1 complete the list of potential destinations. Leeds would only be viable if they show strong progress this season. A return to Liverpool seems very unlikely given the club’s squad structure and the manner of Sterling’s original departure from Anfield.
With Sterling frozen out at Chelsea and no sign of his situation improving under Maresca, a January move seems inevitable. Palace remain in the strongest position, although several clubs are monitoring developments. The next few weeks may produce a significant transfer battle for the former England regular.
| Club or Option | Odds |
|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | 9/4 |
| Bayern Munich | 7/2 |
| Fulham | 5/1 |
| Man Utd | 9/1 |
| Any Saudi Arabian Team | 14/1 |
| Any MLS Team | 14/1 |
| Leeds | 16/1 |
| Liverpool | 25/1 |
