Sterling Faces Chelsea Exile Until January Transfer Window

September 03, (THEWILL) — Chelsea winger, Raheem Sterling, faces an extended period in the wilderness after potential moves to English Premier League clubs failed to materialise during the summer transfer window. The 30-year-old England international, who joined the Blues in 2022, has been excluded from manager, Enzo Maresca’s first-team plans following two underwhelming seasons at Stamford Bridge.

Sterling’s representatives publicly criticised his omission from Chelsea’s opening matchday squad, which led to a temporary loan move to Arsenal. However, manager Mikel Arteta rarely utilised the former Manchester City star beyond brief substitute appearances, and the Gunners declined to make the arrangement permanent.

The four-time EPL winner now finds himself training separately from Chelsea’s main squad, with the club reportedly prepared to maintain this arrangement until January. Sterling earns more than £300,000 weekly, meaning Chelsea will pay approximately £5 million for a player who cannot contribute to their campaign.

Brief discussions regarding potential switches to Crystal Palace and Fulham occurred during the recent window, though neither proposal developed into concrete negotiations. Sterling’s high wages and age conflict with Chelsea’s current recruitment policy, which targets players under 25 on reduced base salaries.

The forward’s prospects appear increasingly limited, with moves to the Turkish Süper Lig or Saudi Pro League deemed unlikely. Unless Maresca reverses his position or Sterling forces his way back into contention, securing another transfer in January may prove challenging after months of inactivity.

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Jude Obafemi, THEWILL

Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.

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