In a surprising turn of events, England winger Raheem Sterling has left Chelsea Football Club by mutual consent. The 31-year-old winger had 18 months remaining on his £325,000-a-week deal but reached an agreement to end his contract early.
Sterling's departure comes after three-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge. He joined the Blues from Manchester City in 2022 for a hefty sum of £47.5 million. Despite making 81 appearances for the club, he hadn't played a competitive match since May 2024.
The player had been training separately with the so-called "bomb squad" at Chelsea's Cobham base after failing to secure a move during the summer transfer window.
Financial implications of early contract termination
While Sterling will receive a payout from Chelsea as part of this agreement, it is worth noting that this settlement will be less than what he would have earned had he stayed for the remaining duration of his contract - over £20 million. This arrangement allows both parties to part ways amicably while also providing financial relief to the club.
Chelsea expressed gratitude towards Sterling for his contributions during his tenure and wished him well in future endeavours.
Chelsea released statement:
"We thank Raheem for the contribution he made while a Chelsea player and wish him well for the next stage in his career,"
Where next for Sterling?
Several clubs have shown interest in acquiring Sterling's services following this development. Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen were among those who explored striking a deal with him earlier on, although no concrete agreements were reached then.
A potential switch to Fulham was also on cards but did not materialise eventually. However, it is understood that despite these setbacks, Sterling remains optimistic about finding another club where he can continue his professional career. Sterling, who made his professional debut at Liverpool and has won 13 trophies in total, is reportedly keen to stay in London. However, he remains open to opportunities either at home or abroad.
Raheem Sterling's departure from Chelsea marks the end of an era for the player at Stamford Bridge. His next move will be closely watched by sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike as they anticipate where this talented winger will bring his skills next. Regardless of where he ends up, Sterling's contribution to Chelsea FC will not be forgotten anytime soon.
