Everton named as next Raheem Sterling landing spot thanks to one key figure
Everton have been tipped to sign free agent Raheem Sterling ahead of a host of clubs.
Sterling became one of the hottest names on the free agent market this week, after terminating his contract with Chelsea by mutual agreement.
The 31-year-old forward hadn’t kicked a ball in anger for Chelsea in any competition this season before his release, having last turned out for Arsenal whilst on loan there in 2024-25.
He bagged one goal and five assists during his season-long stint at the Emirates, but returned to Stamford Bridge to find himself buried down the pecking order.
Indeed, Sterling wasn’t even able to make a single matchday squad in any competition for Chelsea this season, and is now seemingly desperate to start playing regular football for the final few years of his career.
Moyes factor cited in possible Raheem Sterling Everton move
Everton are yet to make a single signing this winter, with David Moyes surely frustrated at the absence of any new arrivals at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
It’s been an eerily quiet winter window in L3, despite the fact Moyes has been pushing for reinforcements both in defence and attack throughout January.
Therefore, with Monday’s deadline looming ever larger, it’s growing increasingly unlikely Everton will be able to strike a deal or two to satisfy Toffees supporters’ transfer desires.
But, the free agent market can be the avenue to a quick, last-minute deal, as naturally, there are no transfer fees involved and signings can be completed faster as a result.
And, according to journalist Ian Herbert writing in Friday’s print edition of the Daily Mail, Everton – among a myriad of clubs mentioned – could be a major player in the Sterling sweepstakes.
Herbert writes that the presence of Moyes as manager could be a major draw for the 82-cap England international, whilst Jack Grealish‘s resurgence with the Toffees has also been cited as a possible factor too.
But, Grealish is dealing with a broken foot, and so Herbert believes that this created a need for new blood to arrive, with it being suggested that Sterling could be a good fit for Everton as such.
There is a Liverpool-sized elephant in the room regarding Sterling and Everton
Few players in history have crossed the Merseyside divide, and for good reason, as it takes a brave soul to even consider doing so.
Liverpool supporters would be outraged if a former star signed for Everton, and Toffees fans wouldn’t really warm to the idea of having a former red in their side, and vice versa.
Therefore, we’ve got a clear problem with Sterling and a potential move to Everton, as the winger came through Liverpool’s academy before going on to make just shy of 130 appearances for them.
So, rivalries aside, Sterling – who boasts over 100 Premier League goals – probably would be quite a good and solid fit for Everton, but given his Liverpool background, it’s surely a move that can be deemed as unlikely.
Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Hill Dickinson, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.