Football Daily | Raheem Sterling and Harvey Elliott: will the forgotten footballers find pastures new?

The Premier League winter transfer window is set to close on Tuesday, leaving several players with uncertain futures. One such player is Raheem Sterling, who has been at odds with Chelsea over his future. At 31, Sterling's playing days are seemingly numbered, but he has recently taken up coaching skills and may be in line for a payoff settlement or even a new club.

Sterling's plight echoes that of James Ward-Prowse, another player struggling to find form under Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo. After being loaned out to the Championship side last season, Ward-Prose has now joined Burnley on a short-term deal, in an attempt to revive his career.

Meanwhile, 22-year-old Aston Villa winger Harvey Elliott is facing a frustrating year at the club, having been stuck on the bench under two different managers. His loan with Liverpool will not be cancelled, and Emery remains hesitant to play him, casting doubt over whether he'll ever achieve his full potential.

Both Sterling and Ward-Prowse seem like "gissa club" situations, but it's unlikely that clubs will take a punt on them now. However, a fresh start may be on the horizon for both players, depending on what happens next in their careers.

I don’t usually comment but I think it’s weird how we focus on these older players who are kinda done with their playing days. Like, they should be able to just chill and collect their paychecks or something . I mean, what's the point of watching Raheem Sterling coach or James Ward-Prowse do whatever it is he’s doing now? Meanwhile, young players like Harvey Elliott who are stuck on the bench get all the attention because they're younger and have more to prove . It just seems like teams want to give these old players one last shot instead of giving the youth a chance .

I feel bad for these guys. Raheem Sterling is one of the best English players ever and he's being written off at 31? That's not fair. I think it's time for clubs to give these veterans a chance to prove themselves, not just hand them over to another team or pay them off. James Ward-Prowse is still a top midfielder in my book. He needs a good manager who believes in him and gives him game time. And Harvey Elliott, poor kid, he deserves a chance to shine. We shouldn't give up on people just because they're not playing like we want them to . Maybe a fresh start is what these guys need, but it's also about the teams giving them a second chance...

I mean, think about it... these players, Raheem and James, they're not just struggling to find their place in teams anymore, they're fighting to hold onto relevance in a league that's constantly changing. It's like, is the grass really greener elsewhere? Are they just trying to escape something that's still there?

And then you've got Harvey, stuck on the bench, not even sure if he'll get a chance to shine at his own club. That's not just frustration, that's existential dread. Is this what it means to be a professional athlete? To be constantly waiting for your turn, never quite good enough?

The Premier League, it's not just about wins and losses anymore, it's about identity. These players need to figure out who they are outside of the game, because when you're 31 or struggling to break into a team, it's hard to remember what made you love the sport in the first place...

Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it...

Those player's situations is like that quote, u feel? They seem to be stuck but still got a chance for comeback if they can get themselves fresh. Sterling might need to take up some new challenge or help out in coaching, while Ward-Prowse needs a new team where he could express himself more. Meanwhile Elliott just needs break and prove himself again

man I feel bad for these guys they're at this point in their lives where they gotta think about their legacy not just win games for their teams... it's like when you're at that stage of life and you start thinking about the story you want to tell yourself, rather than just trying to keep up with the pace of life . Sterling's been doing coaching stuff, which is cool I guess, but it's still a different thing from being out on the pitch, right? And Elliott's just stuck in limbo... it's like when you're in that rut and you don't know how to get out, it's hard to keep hope alive . I wonder what they'll decide to do next, will they find a new path or are they gonna keep going down the same road?

i think these guys are gettin tired man... 31 and still tryin to make it big? coaching is probably a safer bet for sterling lol but ward-prowse needs a shakeup, been hearin he's not happy with emery at villa meanwhile elliot's just stuck in limbo, i feel him tho gotta wonder what's next for these guys

Ugh, these footballers are so extra . One minute they're struggling to stay relevant, and the next they're getting a second chance because... why not? I mean, who needs actual form when you've got a fresh start and a potential payoff settlement? It's like they're playing some kind of bizarre game where "gissa club" is just code for "we'll give you a decent wage if you show up". And poor Harvey Elliott, still stuck on the bench under Emery... dude needs to get his minutes ASAP!

I feel bad for these guys, been through ups and downs like any player, even if they are 30+ now . Sterling's coaching side step is actually kinda cool, shows he's got some knowledge and experience to share . But, yeah, his playing days might be numbered, that's just how it goes sometimes. Ward-Prowse situation is a bit more puzzling, think he could still give it a go in the league, but maybe Forest isn't the right fit for him . And Elliott, man... stuck on the bench is tough to deal with, hope Emery comes around and gives him a chance soon . It's not all doom and gloom for these guys, though – there's always a chance they can turn it around and get back in the game .

I feel bad for these guys ... I mean, they've been such big names for so long and now it's like they're being written off by clubs . But at the same time, you can't blame them for taking a chance on themselves and trying to turn their careers around . I think Sterling might actually have a shot at landing another gig - his coaching skills are pretty impressive . And Ward-Prowse is just being realistic about his situation... loaning him out wasn't going to fix everything, you know? Elliott's gotta prove himself again, but maybe this fresh start he's hoping for will finally give him the chance he deserves ... fingers crossed for these guys!

omg this is so sad Sterling and Ward-Prowse are talented players but seem like they're running out of chances its like they're stuck in limbo can't even imagine how frustrating it must be for them to not know what's next

I feel bad for Harvey Elliott, he seems so young and talented but struggling to get game time is no way to start a career maybe a new club or coaching gig could be the kick in the pants he needs Sterling and Ward-Prowse might need something similar wish them all the best

I feel bad for these guys, you know? They're pros who've given their all to the game and are struggling to find a new chapter. It's tough when your body's not cooperating like it used to . Sterling's coaching skills could be a great asset, but at 31, he might need more than just a fresh start... maybe a nice exit package . Ward-Prowse seems like the type who needs a bit of time and guidance to get his mojo back. And poor Elliott, being stuck on the bench is frustrating enough without the added uncertainty . You'd think they'd be getting some love from their clubs, but I guess that's just part of the game

So I'm thinkin' about Raheem Sterling and James Ward-Prowse, they're both good players, but seem to be stuck in this limbo... Like, you want them to perform, but if they don't, it's a risk for the club. And Harvey Elliott, poor guy, just can't get a chance at Villa... I feel for him, he's talented, but Emery's not giving him a go. It's like, what's the point of even havin' a loan if you're not gonna play 'em?

Can't help but feel bad for these guys . 31 and still chasing the dream? I mean, Sterling's got some game left in him, but he needs to sort out his personal issues first. And Ward-Prowse is just getting more opportunities elsewhere, which is fair play. As for Elliott, it's tough when you're stuck on the bench, even with a loan deal . Maybe a change of scenery or a new system would help him shine? I'm all for giving players another shot, but it's hard to see them getting back on track now .

I feel so bad for these guys, they're really struggling to find their way back into the game . Sterling's been with Chelsea for ages and now he's getting a bit old for the Premier League, but he's still trying to prove himself . Ward-Prowse is having an identity crisis at Forest and it's like he's lost his mojo . And Elliott's just not getting any chances at Villa, poor kid's stuck on the bench watching others shine .

I think what's hard for these players is that they're not young anymore , but they still want to keep playing and prove themselves. It's like they're caught in this limbo where no one knows what to do with them . A fresh start could be just what they need though , maybe a new club or a new coach will help them find their footing again. Fingers crossed for these guys!

I'm low-key impressed with how these players are handling their uncertain futures ! I mean, you're 31 and still chasing that paycheck? That's dedication right there! And Sterling taking up coaching skills? Game-changer ! He might just find a new path to success, who knows?

And have you seen Ward-Prowse's situation? One minute he's loaned out, the next he's back in the Premier League. Talk about twists and turns! But seriously, it's all part of his journey, right? He's gotta figure out what works for him.

As for Elliott... poor guy can't catch a break, feels like. Stuck on the bench and no love from his new manager. BUT (and that's a big but ), at least he's getting some playing time with Liverpool! Fingers crossed he gets another chance to shine!

Players dealing with uncertainty? More power to 'em, I say ! They're gonna make it work, and who knows, maybe we'll see Sterling coaching in the Premier League next season ! Wouldn't that be something?!

OMG u gotta feel 4 these players They're all good players who deserve 2 b given a chance 2 prove themselves, but it's like they r stuck in limbo Sterling's been at Chelsea 4 ages now & Ward-Prowse is gettin loaned out like he's not even worthy of a starting spot Elliott's just getting frustrated, loaned out 2 Liverpool but still sittin on the bench What can u do? Maybe they'll find a new team or somethin but till then it's tough 2 watch 'em struggle

think about these guys & their situations... at 31, raheem sterling is still trying to prove himself as a coach & find a new club... meanwhile, harvey elliot's career stagnating due to not getting playing time... but here's the thing - it's not just about them, it's about the mental game too. what if they gave up on themselves? what if they accepted that their best days might be behind them? maybe then they'd find peace & focus on coaching or mentoring others... & for those who are stuck in limbo, like harvey elliot, they gotta take responsibility for their own development. can't just sit on the bench waiting for someone to notice... gotta push themselves, make a move, take some risks... life's not about waiting for the next opportunity, it's about creating your own while you're waiting

I don't get why these older players still think they got a shot at making it back to the top. 31 is old for a pro, you know? I mean, Raheem Sterling's trying to be a coach now? What's next, coaching his kids' soccer team?