Sterling has been non-existent on a football pitch in 2025-26. Deemed surplus to requirements by Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge, the former England winger spent last season struggling to command meaningful minutes during a loan at Arsenal and was unable to secure an exit away from Chelsea during this past summer transfer window.
Sterling, who has a contract with the Blues until 2027 and cost the best part of £50m to sign from Manchester City, hasn't actually played for Chelsea since May 2024. He will shortly turn 31, which is far from old for a footballer these days, but it is difficult to envisage how and where his career will get back on track after such a sustained period of inactivity.
Sterling is costing Chelsea an enormous sum to not be playing, earning a reported £325,000 per week. At the start of this season, his outstanding contract was thought to be worth around £30m. His preference is rumoured to have been staying in and around London, rather than moving any great distance away, due to his son being with Arsenal' academy and an unwillingness to disrupt his family.