Raheem Sterling tipped for shock Premier League move to Tottenham: ‘He’s better than what we’ve got’

Former Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling has been surprisingly tipped for a move across London to Tottenham Hotspur, with ex-Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara encouraging the club to take a low-risk gamble on the experienced attacker.

Sterling is now available after officially leaving Chelsea this week, with the west London club confirming that his contract had been terminated by mutual consent. The decision brought to an end a mixed three-and-a-half-year spell at Stamford Bridge following his high-profile move from Manchester City in the summer of 2022.

At the time, Sterling arrived as one of Chelsea’s marquee signings after winning multiple Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola, and he was expected to become a leading figure in the club’s rebuild. While there were spells where the England international showed his quality, consistency proved difficult to find amid managerial changes and constant squad turnover at Chelsea.

In a statement confirming his departure, the club said: “Raheem Sterling has today departed Chelsea Football Club by mutual agreement, bringing to an end three-and-a-half seasons as our player, having signed in the summer of 2022 when he was transferred from Manchester City. We thank Raheem for the contribution he made while a Chelsea player and wish him well for the next stage in his career.”

Last season, Sterling attempted to revive his career with a loan move to Arsenal, hoping regular minutes under Mikel Arteta would help restore his confidence and sharpness. However, opportunities were limited at the Emirates. Although he made 27 appearances in all competitions, Sterling started only seven Premier League matches and often found himself coming off the bench in games where Arsenal already had momentum.

Despite occasional flashes of his old pace and movement, Arsenal opted against signing him permanently in the summer. That decision saw Sterling return to Chelsea, only to discover he was no longer part of Enzo Maresca’s plans. The Italian coach reshaped the squad aggressively, and Sterling became one of several senior players exiled from the main group in what supporters dubbed the “bomb squad.”

As a result, the former England regular has gone almost eight months without competitive football, an uncomfortable situation for a player who once played regularly in title races and Champions League knockout matches. At 30, Sterling now faces a crossroads in his career, with questions surrounding whether he will seek a lucrative move abroad or attempt to re-establish himself in the Premier League.

One man who believes Sterling still belongs at the top level in England is former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara. Speaking on talkSPORT, O’Hara suggested Spurs should consider signing the winger, especially given the club’s ongoing need for depth and experience in wide attacking areas.

“I would have him at Tottenham,” O’Hara said. “I would absolutely take Sterling at Tottenham. I think he’s a good player, and for me he’s better than what we’ve currently got in those wide areas.”

O’Hara went on to argue that the deal would make sense if structured sensibly, with minimal risk for Tottenham and maximum motivation for Sterling. Rather than a long-term commitment, he believes a short-term contract would allow the player to prove his worth.

“I’d sign him on a contract until the end of the season if he was willing to do that,” O’Hara explained. “I don’t know what other offers he’s got. He might have long-term contracts on the table from Saudi Arabia offering him loads of money. But if the candle is still lit and he still wants to be a Premier League footballer, then Tottenham should give him that opportunity.”

The former Spurs midfielder also defended Sterling’s attitude, rejecting the idea that the winger’s decline has been caused by a lack of professionalism or hunger.

“I think he still has the desire,” O’Hara continued. “He’s been training on his own and he’s had his contract paid up. He wouldn’t have got a full settlement, so he’s basically turned around and said, ‘I can’t be here anymore, I need to go and play football.’”

“For me, that shows he wants to play. Spurs need a left winger. Now, I’m not saying you give him a big long-term deal, but if he’s available on a free, you bring Sterling into the football club.”

O’Hara believes that the right environment, structure and confidence could unlock the best of Sterling once again. He pointed to the winger’s long track record at the highest level, where he previously delivered goals, assists and big-game performances for Liverpool and Manchester City.

“I think he’s a good player. I think he could still produce moments. If he gets his confidence back and starts believing in himself again, I would absolutely have him at Tottenham,” O’Hara added.

From Tottenham’s perspective, the idea is intriguing. Spurs have at times struggled for consistent output from the left side, especially when injuries and fixture congestion stretch Thomas Frank’s squad. Sterling’s pace, movement in behind and experience in high-pressure matches could provide another tactical option, whether as a starter or an impact substitute late in games.

There would also be a narrative appeal in Sterling joining another London rival after spells with Chelsea and Arsenal. It would offer the winger a chance to prove he still belongs among the Premier League’s elite, while giving Tottenham a seasoned operator who has won titles, played in major finals and understands what it takes to compete at the top end of the table.

While nothing concrete has yet emerged regarding Spurs making a formal approach, O’Hara’s comments have inevitably fuelled debate among supporters. Some will question the risks attached to signing a player who has not featured competitively for months, while others will see an opportunity to add proven quality at minimal cost.

For Sterling himself, the priority is clear: regular football, confidence, and a platform to remind the league of his ability. Whether that stage ends up being at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium remains to be seen, but the door has now been publicly nudged open for one of the Premier League’s most decorated wingers to attempt a dramatic north London revival.