The transfer window closed definitively on Monday night, but Raheem Sterling's name remains on the free agents list. The English star, who ended his struggles at Chelsea by mutual agreement in January, has yet to find a new club. Although as a free agent he can sign a contract at any time outside the transfer window, the behind-the-scenes search for a new employer has revealed some surprising stories.
Sterling's chapter at Stamford Bridge closed after three and a half years. “Raheem Sterling has today left Chelsea by mutual agreement… We thank him for his contribution,” read the club's official statement as they decided to offload his high wages. Since then, he has been linked with a whole host of London clubs, including West Ham, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Tottenham. However, no deal has materialised.
Shock in Berlin: This cannot be serious
The most curious report came from German Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg. Sterling's representatives attempted to find him a place in the Bundesliga and offered the player to Union Berlin.
The German club's reaction was a mixture of shock and disbelief. Union's sporting director Horst Heldt confirmed the information and described his feelings rather colourfully: “Sometimes you just have to rub your eyes… In this case, it did not look very serious. We did not pursue it any further.” The idea of the former City and England star heading to the working-class Berlin club thus ended before it even began.
Carragher: An underrated legend?
While Sterling waits for the phone call that will save his season and indeed his career, pundits are reflecting on his achievements to date. Former Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher believes Sterling does not receive the respect he deserves.
“I feel like Sterling has never fully gained the love of others,” Carragher reflected. “I am not sure how high he would rank in the list of England and Manchester City's greatest ever players. I suspect he will be rated lower than he should be.”
Carragher also reminded everyone of everything Sterling has achieved: “If his career had ended when he left Manchester City four years ago, even then at the age of 27 he would have achieved more than most footballers manage in a lifetime.”
The question now is where, and indeed whether, this story will continue.
