Raheem Sterling is finally ready to make a return to first team football after his time at Chelsea officially came to an end on Wednesday.
Chelsea were tipped to have to pay big money to buy Sterling out of his contract, and although the terms are currently undisclosed, it is believed they saved on some of that fee.
You have to go back to when Mauricio Pochettino was in charge of the Blues for the last time that the England international featured at Stamford Bridge, with an unsuccessful loan spell at Arsenal thrown in there too.
What crazy tactic do you see Liam Rosenior using next? 👀
Wesley Fofana and Liam Rosenior
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Antonio Conte’s Napoli have been linked with Sterling, however he will now have his pick of sides around Europe for who he will want to join.
Raheem Sterling playing for Chelsea against Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
Raheem Sterling in talks with seven clubs after leaving Chelsea
According to journalist Kaveh Solhekol, the winger has been in talks with seven clubs in order to confirm a quick switch to a new side.
He said: “Raheem Sterling’s representatives are in talks today with seven Champions League level clubs who want to sign him. He is fit and keen to start playing again at the highest possible level as soon as possible. All he is lacking is match fitness.”
Previous reports had stated that Sterling only wanted to stay in London, although it looks as if his own stance has softened on that front.
There are 24 clubs still in the Champions League, and with Chelsea set to face one of PSG, Newcastle, Monaco or Qarabag, a move there could see a swift return to Stamford Bridge.
DISCUSS: Raheem Sterling shines in Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea side… 🧩
What do you think?
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Sterling linked with Chelsea’s fiercest rivals
A desire to play in Europe and stay in England would keep his options limited, with one possibility being a move to Tottenham.
Journalist Alex Crook has stated that he wouldn’t rule out the winger making the move to Chelsea’s fierce rivals now he is a free agent.
He told TalkSPORT: “Well, you say Tottenham. Again, they look a little bit light in the wide areas, and Thomas Frank might just see Raheem Sterling as someone whose career he can revive and can come in and provide that experience they’ve been looking for with the likes of Andy Robertson, which is another move that may or may not happen between now and Monday. So again, I wouldn’t totally rule out an approach from Spurs.”
Sterling is already an unpopular figure around Stamford Bridge, and joining Spurs would likely not lead to a great reaction upon a future return to West London.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox