West Ham United Face Difficulty In Signing 31-Year-Old Winger: Do The Hammers Need Him At This Moment? | OneFootball

A fresh report from journalist Dean Jones says that West Ham United are right in the middle of a serious chase for Raheem Sterling. This situation is heating up as the January transfer window gets closer. While the Hammers stay keen on landing a big-name wide attacker, they face stiff competition from other London sides like Fulham and Crystal Palace.

Raheem Sterling saga:

Since the new season started, Sterling has had a miserable time at Chelsea. This follows the club kicking the 31-year-old winger out of the senior squad completely. Right now, the experienced winger trains with a separate group at Cobham.

He stays far away from the main tactical sessions with the first team. Because of this isolation, the Englishman is desperate for a permanent move. He wants a deal that gives him long-term stability instead of a quick temporary fix.

Beyond that, any potential deal carries a huge cost. The forward currently picks up a massive salary of £325,000 per week. Although West Ham looked into a loan deal back in the summer, they are now thinking twice. These huge wage demands give the board a lot to think about.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 23: Raheem Sterling of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace FC at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

At the same time, the player and his family have found this uncertain period very upsetting. This stress drives his desire for a clear exit strategy. Because of this, Sterling prefers a club that will commit to him for several years. He does not want a short-term escape.

Fulham almost signed him earlier this year. However, they eventually moved their focus to other targets on deadline day. Now, the Hammers must compare his talent against the high cost of his contract.

Do West Ham need the English winger?

Looking at whether this move makes sense, we reckon the Hammers should stay away from signing Sterling at this point in his career. Despite what the Chelsea winger has done in the past, his huge wages would break the current pay structure. Such a massive commitment would also limit the club’s ability to buy players later.

On top of that, West Ham already have talented players like Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville. These players offer better long-term value for the squad. It is a huge risk to bring in a player from the “bomb squad” who hasn’t played competitive football in months. The club simply cannot afford to take that chance right now.