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Raheem Sterling has been urged to join Hollywood-backed Wrexham in a bid to revive his career after leaving Chelsea. The 31-year-old departed the Blues by mutual agreement last week and is free to sign elsewhere.

The ex-Manchester City star had already been frozen out at Stamford Bridge and spent last season on loan at Arsenal. While he can join a new club at any time, one major opportunity has gone.

Under UEFA rules, sides were able to update squads for the knockout stages of the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League, but that deadline has passed, denting any hopes of European football this term.

Not everyone believes his next move has to be elite-level, though. Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown reckons a shock switch to Wrexham could help Sterling rediscover his love of the game.

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Speaking to BettingLounge, Brown said: "I hope Raheem Sterling still likes football. What a player he's been and he can still definitely do a job. It's a shame what can happen in football.

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"Some people say he gets paid this and gets paid that but it's not all about that. You just want to play so I'm glad that his situation is getting sorted out now hopefully. He's a great lad and you just hope he does what's best for him.

"Can a club like Wrexham and their story be the thing to reignite his passion for the game? Sometimes that's all it takes. If you feel like a big part of a team, and you feel wanted and loved, you play better."

Wrexham have enjoyed a dramatic rise since Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac took charge in 2021. Under boss Phil Parkinson, the Red Dragons have won three straight promotions, climbing from the National League to the Championship.

They are now chasing a play-off place in the second tier, and a player of Sterling's calibre would be a major boost in the push for the Premier League. Wrexham have two spots free in their 25-man squad after submitting their list to the EFL this week, with those places open to free agents.

Brown is not alone in the view that Wrexham would be a good fit for Sterling. Former Chelsea and Everton winger Pat Nevin has also backed the idea.

Speaking to NewBettingSites.uk, he said: "Raheem Sterling to Wrexham? It would be brilliant, it would be lovely. But I don't care where, Raheem please just go and play football, mate.

"It doesn't matter if you're in the Premier League, it really doesn't. It's a short life. It's a short career. You've made enough money. You've had a great career. Well done. Go on, enjoy this bit. It doesn't matter.

"It could be Wrexham or anywhere else. I went back up to Kilmarnock at the end of my career and had the happiest year of my football career. Anyone who's getting snobby about playing outside the top fancy teams, forget it man.

"Trust me, there won't be any more sniping than what you're already getting just now for not playing at all so go and enjoy it. Raheem, you're a fabulous, fabulous footballer. If it's Wrexham, brilliant. If it's Tranmere Rovers, brilliant. Just go out and love it again."