New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior says talks with Raheem Sterling about his future are a priority.
Sterling had been frozen out at Stamford Bridge, training away from the first team and at different times, with former boss Enzo Maresca showing little interest in reintegrating him. Any hope of a revival at Chelsea appeared slim.
Signed from Manchester City in 2023 for £47.5m, Sterling spent last season on loan at Arsenal but has featured mainly as a squad player for the Blues, and his recent lack of game time has left his career at a crossroads.
Raheem Sterling fell out of favour at Chelsea under Enzo Maresca.placeholder image
Raheem Sterling fell out of favour at Chelsea under Enzo Maresca. | Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
There has been speculation over a possible move away from the club, with Fulham being firm contenders for his signature. But Rosenior plans to speak directly with Sterling and defender Axel Disasi, another player who has found himself out of favour, before decisions are made.
Rosenior said: “I will have conversations with them. We’re in January - Raheem’s had an outstanding career and I’ve got huge respect for him. Axel is someone I’ve really liked as a player for a long time.
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“Honestly, I need to speak to them and I need to speak to the club. I’m working through a list of priorities and I’ll do that in the next few days.”
Sterling joined Chelsea after a superb spell at Manchester City, where he scored 131 goals and was named FWA footballer of the year in 2019. Since moving to west London, he has scored 19 goals in 81 appearances and has struggled to rediscover his best form.
Rosenior oversaw his first match as Chelsea boss in their FA Cup win over Charlton and said his early discussions with the club’s hierarchy have not focused on new signings, despite himself arriving during the January window.
Chelsea have spent heavily under multiple managers since Todd Boehly’s takeover, but Rosenior believes his first task is to work with the squad already at his disposal.
“I also think sometimes the answers are inside the building, not outside,” he added. “I’ll make those decisions later in the week once I’ve seen everyone.”
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