Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling could finally be set for a departure from Stamford Bridge, with a potential lifeline emerging from Italy. The England international, who has been completely marginalised in West London, is reportedly a target for Serie A giants Napoli as the January transfer window progresses.
A Costly Gamble Gone Wrong
Raheem Sterling's £50 million move from Manchester City to Chelsea has proven to be a disastrous piece of business. The 31-year-old has endured a miserable spell with the Blues, failing to recapture the form that made him a star at the Etihad. His situation hit a new low this season when former manager Enzo Maresca omitted him from Chelsea's Premier League squad entirely, extending an exile that began last term with a loan spell at Arsenal.
Sterling has not played a competitive minute for Chelsea since the 2023/24 campaign. Despite the managerial change that saw Liam Rosenior replace Maresca earlier this month, the player's future clearly lies away from the club. He still has 18 months remaining on his lucrative contract, making a move this month crucial for all parties.
Napoli Reignite Their Interest
According to reports from Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, Napoli have revived their pursuit of Sterling after initially showing interest during the summer. The reigning Italian champions, now managed by former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, are seeking to bolster their attacking options.
However, any deal is contingent on Napoli raising funds first, as their finances are reportedly tight. The potential departures of players like Luca Marianucci and Lorenzo Lucca could free up the necessary space and capital to facilitate a move for Sterling before the window closes.
A Proven Path for Premier League Exiles
Should the transfer materialise, Sterling would follow a well-trodden path of Premier League players seeking redemption in Naples. The move has yielded mixed results, offering a cautionary tale but also a beacon of hope.
Former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has flourished at Napoli, playing a key role in their Serie A title triumph last season. Similarly, striker Rasmus Hojlund, another ex-Red Devil, has impressed since his loan move last summer, netting nine goals in all competitions—more than any current Manchester United player.
Sterling will be desperate to emulate their success and resurrect a career that has stalled dramatically in London. For Chelsea, offloading Sterling's wages and moving on from a failed experiment would represent good business as new boss Liam Rosenior focuses on his squad rebuild, starting with his debut match against Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup this Saturday.
The future of other squad players, like French defender Axel Disasi who was also left out of the Premier League squad, remains uncertain as the club's transfer chiefs work on January deals.
