Raheem Sterling Set to Leave Chelsea on a Free as Future Remains Uncertain

Raheem Sterling could depart Chelsea for free this summer after being excluded from the Club World Cup squad. The 30-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Arsenal, has not played for Chelsea in over a year. With £325,000 weekly wages, Chelsea may need to subsidise his exit amid a lack of suitors.

For the past year, Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea career has been hanging by a thread. After joining the Blues from Manchester City in 2022 for £50 million, the 30-year-old winger has struggled to leave a lasting mark. He spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Arsenal, where he failed to impress and wasn't offered a permanent deal. Now, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has left Sterling out of the Club World Cup squad, signalling his exit from the club.

Financial expert Stefan Borson has suggested Chelsea will likely have to let Sterling leave for free while paying a portion of his £325,000-a-week wages — a massive £15 to £20 million a year. Despite scoring 19 goals and providing 15 assists in 81 appearances for Chelsea, Sterling hasn’t played for the club in over a year, and his form has declined. At 31 this December, his options seem limited.

A move to Saudi Arabia remains uncertain, and Premier League interest is low. With his high wages and underwhelming performances, Chelsea’s chances of earning a transfer fee look bleak. Borson grouped him with Rashford, Sancho, and Grealish in terms of salary, but noted Sterling’s recent dip makes a move even tougher.