Just days after mutually terminating his contract with Chelsea, Raheem Sterling is already at the center of a surprising transfer tug-of-war. The 31-year-old winger, now a free agent, has emerged as a marquee target for FC Palm City in the United Arab Emirates.
The former England international reached a settlement with Chelsea on January 28, 2026, ending a difficult three-and-a-half-year spell at Stamford Bridge. While Sterling has been linked with Premier League stays at Fulham or Tottenham, a lucrative and ambitious project in the Middle East is now reportedly on the table.
The Palm City Ambition
According to journalist Rudy Galetti, FC Palm City a club currently competing in the UAE’s lower divisions has added Sterling to their priority shortlist. The Dubai-based side is reportedly in the middle of an aggressive recruitment drive to secure promotion and build a “global brand.”
The club’s interest isn’t limited to Sterling. Reports suggest they are also monitoring German World Cup winner Mario Götze, who is currently at Eintracht Frankfurt. The vision is clear: bring European elite experience to the Emirates to spearhead their climb to the top flight.
A Career at a Crossroads
For Sterling, the decision is monumental. After a disappointing loan spell at Arsenal last season and months in Chelsea’s “bomb squad,” the winger is desperate for regular football. However, a move to the UAE’s second or third tier would likely signal the end of his time in the European elite and his hopes for an England recall.
“All eyes on the future,” Sterling posted on Instagram following his Chelsea departure. Whether that future lies in London, a top European league like Serie A, or the burgeoning football scene in the UAE remains to be seen.
Financial Hurdles
Despite being a free agent, Sterling’s salary expectations remain a significant hurdle. Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, recently admitted that talks with Sterling were “difficult” due to his high financial demands. Palm City, backed by ambitious investors, might be one of the few clubs willing to match the star’s personal terms.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
