Raheem Sterling Departs Chelsea by Mutual Agreement
Raheem Sterling is officially a free agent following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract with Chelsea FC. The club announced this significant update on Wednesday.
Details of Raheem Sterling’s Departure from Chelsea
The 31-year-old winger’s tenure at Chelsea lasted three and a half years. He joined from Manchester City in 2022 for £47.5 million ($64 million). Sterling contributed to the club with 81 appearances and 19 goals.
Loan Spells and Recent Performance
Last season, Sterling was loaned out to Arsenal after being deemed surplus to requirements. He last played for Chelsea in May 2024 and has not featured in a competitive match since then.
- Loan to Arsenal for the 2023-24 season
- Last competitive performance in May 2024
- Training away from first-team squads at Cobham
Contract Negotiations
With 18 months remaining on his contract, discussions about his future with Chelsea intensified. Under the new head coach Liam Rosenior, it became clear that there were no prospects for a role change. Chelsea sought to reduce their wage bill, aiming to offload Sterling’s £325,000 weekly salary.
Future Prospects for Sterling
As a free agent, Raheem Sterling can now negotiate with various clubs. Sources indicate that he prefers a permanent transfer to establish stability for his family, as relocating for a loan would disrupt his children’s schooling. While he has a preference to remain in London, he is open to offers from both domestic and international clubs.
- Potential interest from West Ham, Fulham, and Crystal Palace
- 82 international caps and 13 major trophies to his name
- A prominent advocate against discrimination
In a statement, Chelsea expressed gratitude for Sterling’s contributions during his time at the club and wished him well in his future endeavors. As the football world watches, it remains to be seen where Sterling’s next chapter will unfold.