Raheem Sterling has left Chelsea after his contract was terminated 18 months early.
The 31-year-old, who has been the club’s highest-paid player since taking over in 2022, had not appeared in a blue jersey since May 2024.
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He had been excluded from first-team training as part of the so-called ‘Bomb Squad’ and Chelsea have desperately tried to offload him before the winter transfer deadline on February 2nd.
With no buyer, the Blues announced that Sterling is now a free agent.
A club statement said: “Raheem Sterling has today left Chelsea Football Club by mutual consent, completing three and a half seasons as our player, having signed in the summer of 2022 when he moved from Manchester City.”
“We thank Raheem for the contribution he has made as a Chelsea player and wish him all the best in the next phase of his career.”
The England international still had around £22 million worth of salary remaining from his contract, which was due to expire in 2027.
That would make ending his contract expensive for Chelsea, even if a deal was agreed at a cheaper price.
Responding to his Instagram Story, Sterling wrote, “All eyes on the future. God is great.”
Sterling had options at Fulham, Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, but a move never materialized.
West Ham United also made an inquiry this winter, but Sterling was not interested in a loan deal, although ideally he wanted to stay in London.
With Crystal Palace also believed to be interested, Sterling can now negotiate a permanent transfer and does not have to decide on a move before Monday’s deadline.
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It is assumed that Chelsea’s current Champions League opponents Napoli are also interested in the English winger.
However, it remains to be seen whether Sterling is ready to leave England after being hesitant over the summer.
Must end
When Chelsea signed Sterling from Manchester City in the summer of 2022, he was one of the first signings of the Todd Boehly era.
The £50 million transfer fee for a proven Premier League goalscorer and serial winner seemed like a good deal for everyone involved.
The striker was also a key player for England at the time.
In his first year, the manager who signed him – Thomas Tuchel – left the club, but he still made 38 appearances for the Blues across all competitions.
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The following year he played 41 games and was a key player for Chelsea.
However, with the arrival of Enzo Maresca, Sterling was told he would not be part of the squad and moved to Arsenal for the 2024/25 season.
That move didn’t work and he hasn’t kicked a ball since May 2025, the final matchday of the season against Southampton.
Chelsea’s treatment of Sterling led to calls for PFA intervention.
This happened as the former Liverpool winger took to his Instagram Story at 8:21 p.m. to show him making his way to training.
Aston Villa legend Gabby Agbonlahor said on The Pitch Prospect Breakfast at the time: “Last season wasn’t at his best for Raheem Sterling. 17 Premier League games for Arsenal, just four starts, no goals, two assists. But he’s only 30, Raheem Sterling now.”
“82 caps for England, 20 goals, four Premier League titles, five League Cups, one FA Cup. And he trains alone because he is treated so badly by the coach.”
“That’s the problem I have with some fans because they complain about players like Isak or Wissa wanting to leave. But if a club doesn’t want you, they will treat you like absolute trash.”
“They’re going to make you practice at this point. They’re going to make you sit alone in the locker room, away from your teammates.”
“What about Raheem Sterling’s mental health? [Axel] Disasis mental health?”