Some of you have been sending questions via our Ask Me Anything form on Chelsea.
One fan wrote the following: “Why can’t the Raheem Sterling situation be resolved? He is earning a lot of money and not playing any meaningful football. For his sake, and for the club, there must be a transfer.”
I am sure everyone who supports Chelsea, and those who work at the club, would love to see Raheem Sterling sold – or, at the very least, see his club-high £325,000-a-week wages come off the books.
Around £22m is owed to Sterling over the final 18 months of the contract he signed when he became Chelsea’s marquee attacking signing in 2022 under former manager Thomas Tuchel.
When Sterling agreed that deal, he believed he was returning to his home city to raise his children – one of whom is in Arsenal’s academy – and to enjoy a glorious end to his career.
The 31-year-old was willing to go on loan in the summer, but only to a London club so he could stay close to his family. Options overseas, including in the Champions League, were turned down.
Now, given Chelsea have frozen him out for 18 months and Sterling has not played competitive football since May, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a club that meets his requirements, pays a decent portion of his wages, and offers football at the highest level.
Chelsea still appear hopeful of avoiding paying off the large sum owed to Sterling, while it would be unthinkable for anyone – including Sterling – to walk away from such a windfall, which he may never earn again.
If anyone manages to sell Sterling or secure him a move in January, they may well deserve to win agent or sporting director of the year.
Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.
We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.
Find out more here
