Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea career has hit a fresh low, with the winger reportedly set for a four-month exile after failing to secure a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.
The 30-year-old, believed to be Chelsea’s highest earner on over £300,000 per week, was left out of Enzo Maresca’s squad for the opening match of the 2024/25 season.
His exclusion came after two underwhelming campaigns in West London and a loan spell at Arsenal that ended without a permanent deal.
Despite interest from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and Fulham, no agreement was reached before the transfer window closed.
According to The Times, Sterling will now be forced to train away from the first-team squad until January, unless a late switch to Turkey or Saudi Arabia materialises though both options are considered unlikely.
The situation leaves Chelsea paying close to £5 million in wages for a player Maresca has no plans to use. Unless the Italian coach makes a dramatic U-turn, Sterling’s value and prospects could decline further before the winter market opens.
For a player once considered one of the Premier League’s most reliable attackers, this marks a dramatic fall from grace.
