Raheem Sterling offered to Ligue 1 clubs but rejected

Raheem Sterling’s possible move to Ligue 1 has stalled after two French clubs rejected the opportunity to sign him. Le Havre was one of the teams approached, but the Normandy club decided its squad already had enough options in Sterling’s position. The identity of the second club has not emerged, and it also declined the proposal.

The 31-year-old forward is currently without a contract after Chelsea deemed him surplus to requirements. Loan spells at Arsenal and Feyenoord failed to restore the form that once made him a leading Premier League attacker. Sterling previously played for Liverpool and Manchester City, won four English league titles with City and earned 82 England caps.

His recent legal troubles have added another complication. He was prosecuted in England after a Lamborghini accident last May and admitted dangerous driving and possessing nitrous oxide. The case has since been closed, but the episode has made some clubs more cautious about pursuing him.

Sterling is prepared to accept a significant reduction in earnings as he searches for a way back into regular football. A move abroad remains possible, with interest also existing in less conventional markets, but the two Ligue 1 approaches have so far produced no agreement.