Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling is eyeing up a move in the winter transfer window in January.
No quick exit for Sterling from Chelsea
Raheem Sterling looked set for a fresh start this summer, but nothing materialized. There were rumours linking him with moves to Turkey and Saudi Arabia. But, the winger has no intention of heading down either path.
Reports of talks with Besiktas were quickly dismissed. That has left his future in limbo. He still has two years left on his Chelsea contract. An early termination could happen but it will be a financial blow to the club as well. The Blues prefers to explore a sale or loan in January. The market will open again and suitors will circle back.
For Sterling, staying in London is his preference. Fulham appeared the most serious option during the window, but Marco Silva’s side filled their attacking needs elsewhere. Crystal Palace and West Ham explored the idea as well, but neither followed through with a formal approach.
With that, Sterling has accepted his situation for now and will continue training with Chelsea. That is even if he remains on the outside looking in under Enzo Maresca.
Eyes on January
Sterling finds himself thrown into Chelsea’s so-called bomb squad. He is alongside Axel Disasi and David Datro Fofana, all of whom have been deemed surplus to requirements. Disasi could yet move before the Turkish or Saudi windows close, but Sterling is locked in until winter.
The winger’s spell at Stamford Bridge has been a mixed bag since his £47.5m arrival from Man City in 2022. He has made 81 appearances and scored 19 times. But, last season’s loan to Arsenal produced just one goal across 28 outings. That return has done little to attract new buyers, which makes the upcoming January window key for reviving his career.
Sterling is determined to find a club where he can feel central again. The decision to wait is risky. But, it keeps the door open for the right project rather than a quick fix abroad.
Author’s Opinion:
Sterling’s choice to sit tight is bold but sensible. A rushed move to Turkey or Saudi would have been a poor fit. His next chapter has to be about playing meaningful football again, not just collecting minutes.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
