Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling is attracting serious interest from European heavyweights this summer, with former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reportedly keen to bring him to Bayer Leverkusen. As the Blues continue their summer overhaul, Sterling’s future at Stamford Bridge is uncertain—and top-tier clubs are lining up with proposals.
Leverkusen and Juventus Lead the Chase for Sterling
Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to sign Raheem Sterling, according to a report by Caught Offside. Both clubs are said to have expressed the “strongest interest” in the 29-year-old winger, though financial hurdles remain.
Leverkusen, now managed by Erik ten Hag, are reportedly only willing to secure a loan deal for Sterling. They’re hoping Chelsea will agree to pay a portion of his substantial wages to facilitate the move. Juventus are also interested but have not made their financial intentions clear.
Chelsea’s Summer Signings Spark Forward Exodus
Chelsea’s aggressive recruitment of attacking talent this summer has intensified speculation around outgoing players. The Blues have already added Estevao Willian, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Jamie Gittens to their roster, pushing established stars like Sterling further down the pecking order.
Sterling, who spent time out of favor last season, is now considered one of the players Chelsea are open to moving on. With a reported valuation of around £20–21.7 million, his high salary remains a sticking point for potential buyers.
Ten Hag Reunites with Premier League Interest
Erik ten Hag’s interest in Sterling isn’t new. The Dutch manager reportedly views the England international as a valuable asset who can bring experience and pace to his attacking setup at Leverkusen. If negotiations progress, talks between the German club and Chelsea could begin soon.
This isn’t the first time a former Manchester United boss has pursued Sterling. In June, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also linked with the winger during his time exploring a move to Turkish club Besiktas. Sterling reportedly held face-to-face discussions with Solskjaer but preferred to remain in top-tier European competition.
Champions League Football a Key Factor
A major factor in Sterling’s decision-making process appears to be European football. Both Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus have qualified for next season’s UEFA Champions League, aligning with his reported desire to remain at the highest level.
Sources from The Athletic recently noted that a Champions League club had shown interest in Sterling, with Chelsea’s asking price set at around £20 million. While that club was unnamed, it is possible the reference was to either Leverkusen or Juventus.
Juventus, however, have shown financial caution in the transfer market—most notably with their attempt to sign Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho for a reduced fee—making a permanent move for Sterling less likely unless Chelsea compromise.
What’s Next for Raheem Sterling?
With Chelsea open to selling and Sterling keen to remain in European competition, a move could be on the cards before the transfer window closes. Whether it’s a loan with a wage-sharing agreement or a cut-price permanent deal, all eyes will be on Chelsea, Leverkusen, and Juventus as negotiations continue.
