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Fulham in talks with Chelsea star Raheem Sterling to rival Crystal Palace
Fulham are poised to tackle the January transfer window and bolster a squad that has been ravaged by AFCON departures, with Marco Silva‘s side eager to reinforce their options.
Silva faces a crucial Boxing Day fixture against West Ham at the London Stadium before meeting Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day, with the Whites desperate to climb away from the lower reaches of the table during a congested festive schedule that will seriously test their squad depth.
The timing could hardly be worse for Fulham, who have been hit particularly hard by the Africa Cup of Nations tournament that began on December 21 and runs until January 18, depleting Silva’s options across multiple positions during one of the most demanding periods of the season.
The west London club have lost three key players to Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad, with defender Calvin Bassey, midfielder Alex Iwobi and winger Samuel Chukwueze all departing for Morocco to represent their country — leaving gaping holes throughout the team that Silva must urgently address.
Fulham frontrunners to sign “scary” £44m star who Marco Silva knows well
The Cottagers hold serious interest in signing a new forward.
The Fulham boss once again voiced his frustration at the club’s lack of summer transfer activity last week, and suggested they should’ve been better prepared for AFCON.
They ended last summer as one of the Premier League‘s lowest spenders, second only behind Aston Villa in that regard, and it is clear that Silva remains very unimpressed by their recruitment strategy.
Bassey has been an ever-present in Fulham’s backline this season, featuring in all 17 Premier League matches, and they lack vital cover for him.
Iwobi has likewise been indispensable in midfield, starting every league fixture and contributing four goal involvements, with his absence creating a noticeable drop-off in their creativity going forward.
Chukwueze had recently impressed with a string of strong performances on the wing before his international call-up, while the potential departure of Adama Traoré to West Ham next month threatens to further diminish the squad’s options out wide.
The Spanish winger is in the final year of his contract and attracting concrete interest from the Hammers, meaning Fulham are actively exploring potential replacements for Traore alongside the absent Africans.
Fulham in talks with Raheem Sterling to rival Crystal Palace
Now, as per journalist Simon Phillips, via his Substack, Fulham have turned their attention back towards big-name Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling as a potential solution.
It is believed Fulham have reopened talks with Sterling over a potential January move to Craven Cottage, viewing the experienced England international as the ideal solution to their attacking problems.
The 31-year-old, who has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge this season, represents a proven Premier League performer capable of operating across the front three, even if he hasn’t played a single minute since his Arsenal loan spell last season.
Crystal Palace have also registered interest in Sterling as Oliver Glasner looks to strengthen his own forward line, though sources indicate the Eagles’ pursuit is not as advanced as Fulham’s discussions.
“Fulham are in talks with Raheem Sterling again and are looking to relieve the loss of some players to AFCON,” Phillips wrote. “Sterling to Fulham, one to watch for sure. Crystal Palace are interested as well but not as serious for now.”
The England international has scored 123 Premier League goals in nearly 400 appearances across spells at Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea, with Sterling’s pedigree coming as a real attraction.
Sterling has also been called a ‘brilliant’ player and ‘leader’ by those who’ve played alongside him, like ex-Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
However, the forward is also on around £325,000-per-week at Chelsea, so Fulham’s big task is navigating their way around his mammoth salary.
Perhaps a loan with an option/obligation to buy, where Chelsea cover half of his wages, may be a suitable way forward here.
Fulham now readying £31m bid for “incredibly prolific” Champions League striker
The Cottagers are preparing an offer for a centre-forward.
