Raheem Sterling has been left in limbo at Chelsea after failing to secure a move before the Premier League transfer window closed on Monday. The 30-year-old winger was told by Blues boss Enzo Maresca that he had no future at Stamford Bridge a year ago, prompting a loan spell at Arsenal last season. However, after an underwhelming stint in north London, Sterling returned to Chelsea with his prospects no brighter.
Fulham had emerged as potential suitors, but no deal was agreed by the 7pm deadline. Sterling now faces the possibility of playing no competitive football until January, unless he agrees a switch to a league whose window remains open, such as Major League Soccer, Turkey or Saudi Arabia. The former England international is, however, reported to be unconvinced by a move to the Middle East, having rejected that option earlier this summer.
Sterling still has two years left on the lucrative contract he signed in 2022, when he joined Chelsea from Manchester City for £47.5 million. He is understood to earn approximately £300,000 per week. In all competitions, he has made 81 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 19 goals.
While Sterling's future remains unresolved, a number of other exiled Chelsea players have secured exits. Ben Chilwell is expected to join sister club Strasbourg on a permanent basis, while young forward Tyrique George is set to move to Fulham for £22 million. French defender Axel Disasi, however, also failed to find a new club before the deadline.
