Chelsea star set to say with ‘no clubs interested’ in late deal | OneFootball

Raheem Sterling’s Uncertain Chelsea Future

Chelsea have failed to secure a move for Raheem Sterling before the 7pm BST deadline, leaving the England international in limbo. Sterling has been available for sale or loan all summer but no club has come forward with a deal to suit all parties.

The 30-year-old has been training away from Enzo Maresca’s first team group as he does not feature in the new manager’s plans. “He has been putting in a lot of physical work to be ready for an opportunity but nothing suitable materialised,” as reported by The Athletic.

Contract and Wage Stalemate

Sterling remains the highest-paid player at Chelsea on over £300,000 a week, with two years left on his contract. This financial commitment has deterred potential buyers despite enquiries from several clubs. “He has been the subject of enquiries from clubs over the last few months but nothing progressed.”

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Overseas Options Still Open

Though Europe’s major transfer windows closed at 7pm BST, opportunities abroad linger. Turkish clubs can still operate until September 12, while Saudi Arabian clubs have until September 23. Yet Sterling has ruled out such destinations. “Sterling, though, has no interest in a move to Turkey, Saudi Arabia or the United States as it stands.”

Chelsea Career in Decline

Signed for £47.5 million from Manchester City in 2022, Sterling delivered nine goals in his debut campaign. Under Mauricio Pochettino last season he improved slightly with 10 goals in 43 appearances, before joining Arsenal on loan and featuring 28 times. With Maresca’s arrival, Sterling has once again been cast aside.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Chelsea supporters will feel disappointed and perhaps even shocked at the handling of Raheem Sterling’s situation. A player of his calibre, with his international pedigree, should not be reduced to training alone on the fringes. Fans might question whether the club’s recruitment strategy has left too many high earners stranded without purpose.

Sterling’s refusal to consider Turkey, Saudi Arabia or the United States will divide opinion. Some will respect his desire to remain in Europe’s top competitions, while others may feel it is unrealistic given his wages and recent form.

“Sterling has been putting in a lot of physical work to be ready,” shows a player still motivated, but the club has failed to create an environment where he can contribute. Chelsea risk repeating the expensive mistakes of the past by holding on to players who are no longer central to the project.

For rival fans, particularly Arsenal supporters, there is intrigue. Sterling’s loan spell at the Emirates was mixed but showed flashes of the sharpness that once made him a key figure at Manchester City. The longer Chelsea dither, the more likely it is that Sterling becomes another cautionary tale of the post-takeover era.

In short, this is a situation that leaves supporters expectant yet concerned, with the next few weeks abroad crucial to deciding Sterling’s immediate footballing future.