Fulham in discussions with Chelsea star Raheem Sterling to challenge Crystal Palace
Fulham is preparing for the January transfer window to strengthen a squad that has been significantly impacted by AFCON departures, as Marco Silva’s team aims to enhance their options. Silva is facing a critical Boxing Day clash against West Ham at the London Stadium, followed by a meeting with Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day. The Whites are eager to escape the lower part of the table during a busy festive schedule that will test their squad’s depth heavily.
The situation could not be more challenging for Fulham, who have endured significant setbacks due to the Africa Cup of Nations tournament that commenced on December 21 and is set to conclude on January 18. This event has stripped Silva of options in various positions at one of the season’s most taxing times. The west London side has lost three pivotal players to Nigeria’s Super Eagles, with defender Calvin Bassey, midfielder Alex Iwobi, and winger Samuel Chukwueze heading to Morocco to represent their nation—leaving substantial gaps in the squad that Silva urgently needs to fill.
The Fulham manager expressed his discontent regarding the club’s inactivity in the summer transfer window last week, implying they should have been better prepared for AFCON. They finished last summer as one of the Premier League’s least active spenders, only trailing Aston Villa in that aspect, and it is evident that Silva is not at all impressed with their recruitment approach. Bassey has been a fixture in Fulham’s defense this season, participating in all 17 Premier League matches, and his absence means they lack essential cover. Similarly, Iwobi has been crucial in midfield, starting every league game and contributing four goal involvements, with his absence leading to a noticeable decline in their offensive creativity.
Chukwueze had recently caught attention with a series of excellent performances on the wing prior to his international selection, while the potential exit of Adama Traoré to West Ham next month threatens to further reduce the squad’s width options. The Spanish winger is in the final year of his contract and is drawing interest from the Hammers, prompting Fulham to actively seek out potential replacements for Traoré alongside the missing African players.
As reported by journalist Simon Phillips through his Substack, Fulham has redirected their focus towards high-profile Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling as a potential answer to their attacking challenges.
It is thought that Fulham has reopened discussions with Sterling regarding a possible January transfer to Craven Cottage, viewing the seasoned England international as the perfect remedy for their attacking deficiencies. The 31-year-old, who has lost favor at Stamford Bridge this season, is known as a capable Premier League player who can play across the front three, despite not having seen any action since his loan at Arsenal last season. Crystal Palace has also shown interest in Sterling as Oliver Glasner aims to bolster his forward line, but reports suggest that the Eagles’ pursuit is not as advanced as Fulham’s negotiations.
“Fulham are in talks with Raheem Sterling again and are looking to alleviate the loss of some players to AFCON,” Phillips wrote. “Sterling to Fulham, one to keep an eye on for sure. Crystal Palace are interested as well but not as serious for now.”
The England international has netted 123 Premier League goals across nearly 400 appearances during his tenures at Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal, and Chelsea, making Sterling’s proven ability a genuine draw.
Sterling has been described as a ‘brilliant’ player and a ‘leader’ by those who have played with him, including former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. However, the forward’s salary at Chelsea is reportedly around £325,000-per-week, posing a significant challenge for Fulham. A potential loan with an option or obligation to buy, where Chelsea might cover half of his wages, could be a feasible pathway moving forward.
Published: 2025-12-25 08:41:00
source: www.footballfancast.com
