Celtic linked with sensational move for ex-£50m winger

Celtic have been linked with a sensational move for Raheem Sterling. The former Man City star has endured a fairly torrid 12 months after being frozen out of Chelsea and sent on loan to Arsenal.

The move to The Emirates was not successful and he returned across London in order to find a permanent switch. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has made it clear that 30-year-old Sterling was not part of his plans.

According to a report by football transfers, Celtic are reportedly keen on a deal to sign Sterling on a loan deal in January.

A number of clubs were linked but the eye watering £325k-per-week put off any potential suitors. A deal could be forthcoming if Chelsea would cover the wages, as they did when the player moved to Arsenal.

This would secure a reunion with Brendan Rodgers, who he worked with at Liverpool before making that move to City. Sterling came through QPR’s youth but moved to Liverpool, making 95 Premier League appearances and 18 goals. He was a key figure under Rodgers despite his age.

In 2015 he joined Manchester City for a then-record fee, scoring 91 in 225 league games, winning multiple Premier Leagues. Joined Chelsea in 2022; loaned to Arsenal in 2024. 

The manager was keen to add further attacking options in the summer after Kyogo left in January. This was followed by the loss of Nicholas Kühn to Como as well as Adam Idah to Swansea.

Celtic were able to add Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha. However, both are predominantly left wingers who will look to bolster the attack with strikers Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda.

Celtic have Yang and James Forrest in the squad as natural right wingers with Benji Nygren having also played there this season.