This January transfer window is pivotal for forgotten Chelsea man Raheem Sterling.
The former England winger was frozen out of the squad by Enzo Maresca, who took over as manager in the summer of 2024. Maresca has since been replaced by Liam Rosenior.
Upon his arrival, Rosenior stated that it was a “clean slate” for every player at the club.
However, the new Chelsea manager has revealed that talks have taken place about finding Sterling a better career solution.
Speaking last week, Rosenior said, “Raheem, at the moment we’re in conversations about different things and different options that are going on in his career.”
“And hopefully that will be clearer in the next few days.”
The Athletic's Simon Johnson wrote, “Despite Rosenior suggesting something might become ‘clearer in the next few days’, there has yet to be a major development.”
There are a couple of Premier League clubs interested in signing the winger in exile, but his £325,000-a-week wages are a huge factor.
Crystal Palace want to take Sterling on loan, but the former Manchester City star is only interested in leaving permanently.
Fulham have shown most interest in a permanent deal but are also pursuing Oscar Bobb.
Napoli are interested, but Sterling wants to stay in England with his family.
Since leaving Manchester City in 2022, Sterling has struggled in his spells with Chelsea and Arsenal.
He joined Chelsea for £47.5 million but struggled to secure a regular starting spot.
In his first season, he started 23 games, scoring six goals and making three assists.
The second season was more productive, with eight goals and four assists.
Maresca took over Chelsea in the summer of 2024 and immediately froze Sterling out. He then moved to Arsenal, reuniting with Mikel Arteta, but had an underwhelming season.
Sterling played 13 games for Arsenal last season, scoring once and assisting once.
After his season with Arsenal, he returned to Chelsea, but is currently training away from the first team.
At 31, Sterling still offers Premier League quality, whether at Chelsea or elsewhere.
During his time at Manchester City, Sterling scored 131 goals in 339 games, winning four Premier League titles.
From the start of the 2017/18 season to the end of the 2019/20 campaign, Sterling scored 55 league goals.
For a low to mid-table Premier League side, Sterling has the proven goal-scoring record and experience that will be vital for a team trying to stay in the league.
Sterling’s undeniable impact in the Premier League demands recognition, and seizing the right move now is essential so his talent continues to shine rather than fade into the background.
