New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has thrown the January transfer plans of London rivals West Ham United and Fulham into doubt, after revealing he will hold talks with out-of-favour stars Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi.
Rosenior Opens Door for Exiled Chelsea Duo
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Rosenior confirmed he intends to have "conversations" with both Sterling and Disasi this month. The pair were completely frozen out by previous manager Enzo Maresca, but the new Blues boss has suggested a potential route back to the first team at Stamford Bridge.
"I will have conversations with them. We're in January, as you know," Rosenior stated, as reported by Sky Sports News. "Raheem's had an outstanding career. I've got huge respect for him. Axel is someone I've really, really liked as a player for a long time."
He emphasised the need to assess his squad, adding: "Honestly, I have to have a conversation with them. I have to have a conversation with the club... I'm being genuinely honest. I have got to work through a list of priorities. I will do in the next few days."
Raheem Sterling has not played a competitive minute for Chelsea since May 2025, spending last season on loan at Arsenal. Axel Disasi's last first-team appearance was in January 2025, though he has featured for the club's Under-21 side this term.
London Rivals' Transfer Plans in Jeopardy
Rosenior's update is a significant setback for Fulham and West Ham, who were both actively pursuing the Chelsea pair to bolster their squads this January.
Fulham had emerged as the frontrunner to sign Raheem Sterling, with reports suggesting the 31-year-old winger was 'leaning towards' a move to Craven Cottage. West Ham had previously seen a loan bid for Sterling rejected. Both player and club were believed to favour a permanent deal or a loan with an unconditional obligation to buy.
Meanwhile, West Ham had renewed their interest in defender Axel Disasi after a summer deadline day move collapsed. With the Hammers languishing in the Premier League's bottom three, manager Nuno Espirito Santo saw the five-cap France international as a key target to strengthen a leaky defence.
Uncertain Future Ahead of Crucial Cup Tie
The news comes as Rosenior prepares for the biggest test of his early tenure: a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. The cup represents a vital chance to restore confidence during a difficult league run and secure a first trophy of his reign.
Off the pitch, the new coach faces immediate and critical decisions regarding his squad composition during the transfer window. His willingness to speak with Sterling and Disasi introduces fresh uncertainty over their immediate futures.
While both players have seemed destined for the exit in recent months, Rosenior's comments indicate they may yet be offered a clean slate. Whether this is a genuine opportunity for reintegration or a move to assess the market remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly complicated the transfer ambitions of two Premier League rivals.
