In a stunning development that signals the end of his Chelsea career, Raheem Sterling has been officially excluded from the squad travelling for the club's pre-season tour of the United States.
The bombshell decision, delivered by new manager Enzo Maresca, places the England international firmly in the so-called 'bomb squad' alongside other high-earning outcasts like Malang Sarr and Romelu Lukaku. This group is training separately from the first team at the club's Cobham base, a clear indication they have no future in West London.
Maresca's Ruthless New Era Begins
The move represents the first major, and brutally decisive, call from the new Blues boss. It leaves Sterling's career at a dramatic crossroads. Despite being one of the club's highest earners on a staggering £325,000-per-week contract, the 29-year-old winger is now considered surplus to requirements.
This exclusion follows a dismal season for Sterling, where his form drastically dipped. He managed a return of just ten goals and eight assists across all competitions, a far cry from the output expected of a marquee signing.
A Costly Exit on the Horizon
Chelsea's hierarchy now faces the monumental task of offloading his colossal wages. The club is reportedly open to both a permanent sale and a loan deal, but finding a suitor willing to match his financial demands will prove incredibly difficult.
Potential moves to the Saudi Pro League have been mooted, but Sterling is understood to be reluctant to make such a switch at this stage of his career. His preference is believed to be a stay in the Premier League, though interest from top-flight rivals remains tepid at best.
This situation leaves all parties in a precarious position, with a costly and messy divorce appearing increasingly inevitable.
