West Ham United in Talks to Sign Raheem Sterling on Loan from Chelsea
Deal would see Hammers pay £2m loan fee and cover 50% of winger’s salary
In a significant development in the summer transfer window, West Ham United have opened talks with Chelsea over a sensational loan move for England international Raheem Sterling. The Hammers are exploring the possibility of bringing the experienced winger to the London Stadium for the 2025/26 season, with Chelsea demanding a loan fee of £2 million and insisting that West Ham cover half of Sterling’s current wages.
According to sources close to both clubs, negotiations are well underway, and all parties are hopeful of reaching an agreement before the end of the transfer window. The deal being discussed would see West Ham pay approximately £150,000 per week of Sterling’s £300,000 weekly wage, with Chelsea continuing to cover the remaining £150,000. Such a financial arrangement reflects Chelsea’s willingness to offload part of Sterling’s wage burden while keeping the player’s long-term value intact.
Sterling Open to the Move
Sterling, 30, is reportedly open to the move as he looks to revitalise his career with more regular playing time. The former Manchester City and Liverpool star has endured an inconsistent spell at Stamford Bridge since joining Chelsea in the summer of 2022. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his form and influence have dipped, particularly in a team that has undergone major tactical and personnel changes under successive managers.
Last season, Sterling made 29 Premier League appearances, scoring just six goals and providing five assists. With Chelsea now focused on a younger attacking core under new manager Enzo Maresca, the club is believed to be open to letting Sterling leave temporarily — provided the financial terms are right.
West Ham see Sterling as a marquee addition to their squad as they aim to build on their recent European runs and push for a top-six finish in the Premier League. The Hammers, under the stewardship of Julen Lopetegui, are keen to add proven Premier League quality to their ranks and believe Sterling can provide experience, creativity, and much-needed pace on the flanks.
Lopetegui’s First Major Move
Julen Lopetegui, who took charge of West Ham earlier this summer, is said to be a strong admirer of Sterling and has given his approval for the club to push ahead with the loan move. The Spanish tactician is looking to instil a more dynamic, possession-based style at the London Stadium and views Sterling’s dribbling ability, directness, and versatility across the front line as ideal attributes for his system.
With West Ham having lost some key attacking options, including loaned-out winger Said Benrahma and the departed Pablo Fornals, the need for reinforcements is clear. Sterling would bring not only tactical flexibility but also vast experience at both domestic and international levels, having earned over 80 caps for England and won multiple trophies during his time at Manchester City.
Financially Sensible Deal for Both Sides
For Chelsea, the loan move could provide some much-needed breathing space on the financial front. Offloading half of Sterling’s wages — which total over £15 million annually — will help ease pressure under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), especially as the Blues continue to invest heavily in new talents.
While Chelsea are not pushing for a permanent sale at this stage, the loan move could serve as a shop window for Sterling. If he performs well at West Ham, it may pave the way for a full transfer next summer, either to the Hammers or elsewhere.
West Ham, on the other hand, view the £2 million loan fee as a worthwhile investment for a player of Sterling’s calibre. With the club balancing ambition with financial caution following their £105 million sale of Declan Rice last year, a loan deal structured in this way allows them to strengthen without compromising long-term budgets.
Fans Divided but Hopeful
While the potential move has generated excitement among some sections of the West Ham fanbase, others remain cautious. Sterling’s dip in form at Chelsea and his high wage demands have raised eyebrows, but many supporters acknowledge that his experience and past success could be the catalyst West Ham need to take the next step.
With the new season fast approaching, both clubs are looking to finalise their squads quickly. If negotiations continue smoothly, Sterling could undergo a medical and be unveiled as a West Ham player before their Premier League opener later this month.
This could be one of the most eye-catching loan moves of the window — a chance for a Premier League star to rediscover his best form, and for West Ham to make a bold statement of intent.
