Raheem Sterling Becomes Free Agent After Mutual Agreement with Chelsea
Raheem Sterling has officially become a free agent, departing Chelsea Football Club after a mutual agreement to terminate his contract. The club confirmed the forward's departure on Wednesday.
End of a Three-and-a-Half-Year Spell
Sterling, 31, last featured for Chelsea in May 2024. He spent the entirety of the previous season on loan at Arsenal, having been deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge. His departure comes with 18 months remaining on the contract he signed in 2022 when he initially joined Chelsea from Manchester City for £47.5 million ($64 million).
He was notably the first significant men's signing of the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership era, which commenced in May 2022. During his tenure, Sterling made a total of 81 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 19 goals. However, the club subsequently shifted its transfer policy towards acquiring younger players on long-term contracts.
Recent Struggles and Departure Details
After being sidelined under former head coach Enzo Maresca, Sterling's loan spell at Arsenal did not succeed in revitalizing his career. He has not played a competitive match in eight months and had been training separately from the first-team squad at Cobham. Recent discussions indicated that his situation was unlikely to change under the new head coach, Liam Rosenior.
Sources reveal that several clubs had inquired about a potential loan move for Sterling. However, the player expressed a strong preference for a permanent deal, seeking stability for his career. He was also reportedly reluctant to relocate his children for a temporary move.
All parties ultimately concluded that a mutual separation was the best course of action.
From Chelsea's perspective, a primary objective was to remove Sterling's substantial £325,000-a-week salary from their wage bill, an exit they had actively sought in previous transfer windows.
Future Prospects as a Free Agent
As a free agent, Sterling is now free to negotiate directly with any interested clubs. While he reportedly prefers to remain in London, he remains open to offers from both domestic and international clubs.
West Ham had expressed initial interest in a loan move earlier this month, and Fulham and Crystal Palace have also previously monitored the player. Sterling is considered an attractive prospect, boasting an impressive career record that includes 82 international caps for England and 13 major trophies. Beyond his on-field achievements, he was awarded an MBE in 2021 and is recognized for his advocacy in anti-discrimination campaigns.
Chelsea's Official Statement
Chelsea Football Club released the following statement regarding his departure:
"Raheem Sterling has today departed Chelsea Football Club by mutual agreement, bringing to an end three-and-a-half seasons as our player, having signed in the summer of 2022 when he was transferred from Manchester City. We thank Raheem for the contribution he made while a Chelsea player and wish him well for the next stage in his career."