Chelsea are open to terminating Raheem Sterling’s contract if a new club fail to agree a deal before January transfer deadline day, according to, talkSPORT.
Sterling has not played for Chelsea this season after he dimmed surplus to requirement. The former Manchester City forward is now the only member of Chelsea’s so‑called ‘bomb squad’ after defender Axel Disasi returned to first-team training.
While there is also a strong chance Disasi will leave Stamford Bridge this month, Sterling has failed to convince other clubs he can still play at the highest level.
Chelsea prefer to sell Sterling, but a contract termination or a loan are not off the table from the club’s perspective.
Raheem Sterling in action during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and FC Internazionale at Stamford Bridge on August 11, 2024. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
However, report from talkSPORT claim Sterling would like a permanent exit, not a loan, having had one loan to Arsenal last season that didn’t work out.
Sterling had summer options with Fulham, Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen, but a move never materialised.
West Ham United also made an enquiry this winter but Sterling was not interested in a loan despite wanting to ideally remain in London.
Sterling has around £22million remaining on his current deal, which is due to expire in 18 months. If he fails to secure a move, Chelsea might consider terminating his career and settling for a payoff.
Chelsea are hoping to find a solution quickly, and ideally a sale before February 2, but all options are currently on the table.
Sterling signed for Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer of 2022. He was one of the first arrivals of the Todd Boehly era and has gone on to make 81 appearances in all competition, scoring 19 goals.
