Raheem Sterling looks set to finally leave Chelsea, ending nearly two years away from the first team. The £325,000-a-week winger is in advanced talks over his exit from Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are in Italy to face Napoli in the Champions League, a match that marks the 100th game since Sterling last played for the club. His last appearance came in a Premier League win over Bournemouth in May 2024.
The 31-year-old spent last season on loan at Arsenal, making 28 appearances, but has been training away from Chelsea’s first team since returning. Talks are ongoing over a permanent transfer or a mutual contract termination. The club hopes to resolve the situation before the transfer window closes at 7pm on Monday, February 2.
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Head coach Liam Rosenior spoke cautiously about Sterling ahead of the Napoli match:
“I’ve said what I’ve had to say on Raheem. He’s a player I have massive respect for. Huge respect for as a person and what he’s achieved in the game. Now is not the right time to speak about his situation,” he said.
Sterling joined Chelsea in 2022 from Manchester City for £47.5 million, becoming the first major signing under Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital. He is the most high-profile member of Chelsea’s “bomb squad,” a group of players no longer in the club’s plans.
Unlike some of his teammates, Sterling has no route back into the squad. His departure will free up wages and allow Chelsea to focus on players in their current plans.