Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling problem is now deep into its second year. The winger is still stuck in the “bomb squad” of players we’re trying to get rid of, except now he’s alone. Everyone else has been shifted, and Axel Disasi is back in first team training.
Asked about Sterling’s future in the presser yesterday, manager Liam Rosenior said he had no updates to give. He flattered Sterling, but had nothing to offer beyond that:
“No, at the moment, I’ve said what I’ve had to say on Raheem,” the manager said.
“He’s a player I have massive respect for. Huge respect for him as a person and for what he’s achieved in the game. Now is not the right time to speak about his situation.”
Chelsea now consider £22m termination of contract
Well, despite that, the BBC have come into today with an update. They say that the Blues could terminate the winger’s contract, after 18 months of trying and failing to sell him. There’s nothing in it for them, apart from just getting the bad PR away from the club after two toxic years.
Sterling has £22m left on the deal which expires in the summer of 2027, although Chelsea would hope to negotiate that down.
Interestingly, the BBC piece also puts tonight’s opposition Napoli in the mix as a team who are interested in signing Sterling, should he become a free agent. They wouldn’t be able to pay him much, but if he gets a chunk of his remaining deal paid off by Chelsea, that shouldn’t be an issue. His desire to stay in London or nearby could be more limiting.
In other news…
Another player who could be on the move this month is Aaron Anselmino. He’s already been recalled from Dortmund to Chelsea, but apparently it’s not impossible he makes another switch this month. Liam Rosenior spoke about him in the press conference yesterday.
The manager spoke about Moises Caicedo, who will be a key man tomorrow, and praised him in quite an unusual way.
More Stories about Raheem Sterling
Kaveh Solhekol on Sky Sports.
Fabrizio Romano speaking on his Youtube channel.
Raheem Sterling with a Chelsea logo.