Raheem Sterling’s entourage are reportedly in contact with seven different clubs after his contract with Chelsea was terminated.
On Wednesday, January 28, the Blues issued a statement confirming that Sterling had departed the club by mutual agreement, bringing an end to three and a half seasons at the west London club.
The 31-year-old has not featured in a competitive game this season and last played in May 2025 when he was on loan at Arsenal. He returned to Chelsea at the end of the 2024/25 campaign but was frozen out of the squad prior to his departure.
According to Sky Sports, Sterling’s representatives are in talks with seven interested clubs. With the winger now a free agent, it is believed that there are multiple offers for him and that he is willing to play anywhere.
Sterling had 18 months left on his contract at Chelsea and was the club’s highest-paid player, receiving more than £300,000 a week. Earlier reports suggested that the England international’s wage demands and preference to remain in or close to London had impacted the Blues' attempts to sell him.
Fulham and Napoli were reportedly among the clubs keen on signing Sterling back in the summer, but nothing materialized. However, Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has told Sky in Italy that a move to the club is unlikely due to his huge financial demands. Manna said:
“Raheem is very good, but he hasn't been playing for a long time. We spoke with him during the summer but I see it as difficult right now, he has significant financial expectations.”
Sterling was part of the so-called bomb squad under former manager Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea’s statement on Sterling’s departure
Sterling’s time at Stamford Bridge came to an end on Wednesday after he and the club reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contract. The Blues believe parting ways with him in that manner will allow them to make meaningful savings.
A club statement read:
“Raheem Sterling has today departed Chelsea Football Club by mutual agreement, bringing to an end three-and-a-half seasons as our player, having signed in the summer of 2022 when he was transferred from Manchester City. We thank Raheem for the contribution he made while a Chelsea player and wish him well for the next stage in his career.”
Sterling moved to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City in 2022 for a reported fee of £47.5 million. However, he didn’t win a single trophy with the Blues before his departure.