Raheem Sterling's Chelsea Departure Marks a Career Low Point
Raheem Sterling's time at Chelsea has come to an end by mutual consent, concluding a challenging chapter for the forward that saw him struggle to secure a regular starting place. During his stint at Stamford Bridge, Sterling managed only 81 appearances, a figure that underscores his difficulties in finding consistent form and fitness.
A Promising Start That Quickly Faded
When Sterling joined Chelsea in the summer of 2022 for £47.5 million, he was hailed as a marquee signing following the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital takeover. Having won four Premier League titles with Manchester City, his pedigree was undeniable, and then-manager Thomas Tuchel was eager to utilise his threat in the final third. The move also represented a homecoming for Sterling, who grew up near Wembley.
However, the excitement soon dissipated. Tuchel was dismissed early in the 2022-23 season, and Chelsea's ownership shifted its transfer policy under increased influence from co-owner Behdad Eghbali of Clearlake Capital. The focus turned to signing young talent on incentivised deals, leaving Sterling's experience and high wages out of favour.
Struggles with Form and Tactical Fit
Under Graham Potter, Sterling's struggles intensified, with the manager even experimenting with him as a wing-back—a move that raised eyebrows. Chelsea's lack of stability was evident as they sacked Potter and finished 12th, with whispers emerging about the club's willingness to sell Sterling.
A brief resurgence occurred after Mauricio Pochettino's appointment in July 2023, but it proved unsustainable. Sterling remained in and out of the starting lineup, scoring his 19th and final goal for Chelsea in a 2-1 win over Bournemouth at the end of the 2023-24 season. Despite this, Chelsea were keen to remove his £325,000-a-week wages from their books.
The Final Chapter and Search for a New Start
Enzo Maresca's arrival as manager sealed Sterling's fate, as he was left out of the squad for Maresca's first match and made clear he was not part of future plans. Finding a suitable exit proved difficult due to Sterling's reluctance to leave London for family reasons and his substantial wage demands. A loan spell at Arsenal last season did little to boost his form, with observers noting he had lost a crucial yard of pace.
Upon returning to Chelsea, Sterling trained alone, leading to a lonely and undignified period for a player once celebrated as one of the Premier League's most successful figures. His departure represents a significant financial saving for Chelsea, as his contract, which had 18 months remaining, was not paid in full.
International Career and Future Prospects
Sterling's decline has also impacted his international career with England. Awarded an MBE in 2021 and a key figure in Gareth Southgate's revolution, he helped England reach the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and scored three goals in their run to the Euro 2020 final. However, he has not added to his 82 caps since a late substitute appearance in England's quarter-final defeat by France at the 2022 World Cup.
At 31, Sterling is now a free agent, with interest from clubs like Fulham and West Ham not progressing due to financial expectations. Napoli's sporting director, Giovanni Manna, noted that Sterling has "significant financial expectations" and hasn't played for a long time, casting doubt on immediate opportunities.
Looking Ahead: A Fresh Start Needed
Sterling is open to moving abroad and has not ruled out leaving London, though family considerations remain paramount, especially after dealing with two burglaries at his home since joining Chelsea. His son Thiago is in Arsenal's academy, adding to the personal stakes.
This story leaves no winners: Chelsea's investment backfired, and Sterling, while financially rewarded, spent too much time on the sidelines. Now, he faces the challenge of making up for lost time and reviving a career that once promised so much. Whether he can find the right fit and regain his form remains to be seen, but many will be hoping for a successful comeback.
