Raheem Sterling has been tipped to revive his career at another Premier League club following his exit from Chelsea, with former Tottenham star Jamie O'Hara suggesting a shock move to Spurs could be on the cards.
Sterling's Chelsea departure and career struggles
Sterling had 18 months remaining on his £325,000-a-week deal at Chelsea but reached an agreement with the club to leave early. Much was expected of the ex-England forward following his £50m move from Manchester City, but he underwhelmed at Stamford Bridge and had not played a competitive match since May 2024.
Enzo Maresca placed Sterling in his bomb squad, and new manager Liam Rosenior was unwilling to offer the 31-year-old a lifeline. Sterling spent last season on loan at Arsenal but failed to make an impact for Mikel Arteta's side, scoring just one goal in 28 appearances, most of which came from the bench.
Potential Premier League revival
Now a free agent, Sterling will hope to revive his career and is said to be open to either staying in the Premier League or moving abroad. Remaining in London would be Sterling's preference, and Jamie O'Hara believes Tottenham should offer him the chance to do just that.
O'Hara's endorsement for Tottenham move
'I would have him at Tottenham,' ex-Spurs star O'Hara said on talkSPORT. 'I would absolutely take Sterling at Tottenham. I think he's a good player. He's better than what we've got. I'd sign him on a contract to the end of the season if he was willing to do that.'
O'Hara continued: 'I don't know what other offers he's got in terms of, he might have a long-term contract in Saudi offering him loads of money. But if the candle is still lit and he wants to still be a Premier League football player I would give him an opportunity at Tottenham.'
The former midfielder added: 'I think he still has the desire. He's been training on his own and he's had his contract paid up. He wouldn't have got the full settlement so he's basically turned around to them and said I can't be here anymore I need to go and play.'
Sterling's potential fit at Tottenham
O'Hara explained why Sterling could be a good fit for Tottenham: 'Spurs need a left winger. Now, I'm not saying you give him a long-term deal but I'd give him a contract if he was on offer on a free, you get Sterling in a football club. I think he's a good player. I think he could still produce moments. I think if he got his confidence back and a bit of belief I would have him at Tottenham.'
Sterling's career achievements and other options
Sterling has been linked with the likes of Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen and Fulham since being placed in Chelsea's bomb squad. Before his underwhelming spells at Chelsea and Arsenal, Sterling won four Premier League titles and scored over 100 goals at Manchester City.
Sterling, who has won 13 trophies in total, came through the ranks at QPR before bursting onto the scene at Liverpool. His career achievements highlight the potential quality he could still bring to a Premier League side.
Official statements on Sterling's departure
Announcing Sterling's Stamford Bridge exit, Chelsea said in a statement: 'We thank Raheem for the contribution he made while a Chelsea player and wish him well for the next stage in his career.'
New Chelsea boss Rosenior added: 'Raheem is a magnificent guy. There are a lot of positive things going on in the background that I really have nothing to do with. So I wish Raheem and his family all the very best in his future and I hope he has a really, really good rest of his career.'
Sterling, meanwhile, simply posted 'all eyes on the future – God is great' after his departure from Chelsea was announced, suggesting he remains focused on his next chapter in football.
