Raheem Sterling is now a free agent after leaving Chelsea by mutual consent, and has already been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur
Raheem Sterling has just hours left to secure a move to a new club if he wants to feature in European competition this season. The 31-year-old forward left Chelsea last week by mutual agreement and is now free to join another side as a free agent.
The England international hasn't featured for Chelsea this campaign, with his most recent appearance for the Blues coming back in May 2024.
During the previous season, Sterling spent time on loan at Arsenal, where he racked up 28 appearances and contributed to the Gunners' run to the Champions League semi-final and their second-place finish in the Premier League.
As Sterling is currently without a club, he's free to join a new side on a free transfer whenever he chooses. However, a crucial deadline is fast approaching that the ex-Manchester City star may well be considering.
UEFA rules permit clubs to amend their squads for the latter half of the season ahead of the knockout phases of European competitions, including the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, reports the Express.
The deadline for squad changes is midnight on Thursday, February 5. Therefore, if Sterling has ambitions of joining a club in European competition this season - and featuring in said tournament - he must complete a move to a new club before today ends.
Tottenham Hotspur have recently been mentioned as potential suitors for the now-former Chelsea player, whose last competitive match was in May last year on the final day of the Premier League campaign against Southampton.
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However, recent reports suggest that Spurs are not in the race to sign Sterling as a free agent, leaving the 31-year-old's future still uncertain.
Sterling's last appearance in a European competition was in March of the previous year, where he played a pivotal role in Arsenal's victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League last-16.
The 2-2 stalemate at the Emirates Stadium saw Sterling set up two goals, earning him the player of the match award.
Paul Merson recently encouraged Spurs to consider signing Sterling to strengthen their attacking options amidst their ongoing injury crisis.
“They need players in. Thomas Frank and Tottenham have been unlucky with Solanke, Kulusevski and Maddison all out,” Merson stated on Sky Sports News.
"I would bring Sterling in. I think it’s a no-brainer on a free transfer. I really do. You don’t want to start bringing every Tom, Dick and Harry in to try and stay up. They just need one or two players in and get their players fit.”