Report: Chelsea could now sell their £49m player, less than 12-months after signing him

Chelsea could reportedly make a surprising U-turn and let go of Raheem Sterling this month.

According to the Guardian, the England international might be ‘shipped out’ in January, as Todd Boehly’s transfer overhaul continues to tick over.

Sterling only signed for the Blues last summer, leaving Manchester City in a deal worth £49m.

After winning four Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola, the expectation was for the attacker to bring similar success to Stamford Bridge.

It has not transpired that way, with Sterling unable to replicate the form he demonstrated in a City shirt.

He has scored six times and provided three assists in 22 appearances this season, a return fairly reflecting the club’s general struggles.

The 28-year-old might blame being repeatedly placed in different positions for his decrease in output.

Together, Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter have deployed him on the right and left of a front through, as a centre-forward and even at wing-back.

During his City days, Sterling primarily stuck to the left wing, and the results were telling.

The injury he sustained incidentally against Guardiola’s side will also add another set-back to the player’s frustrating Chelsea career.

A tenure that could well be over before it’s even started.

Chelsea have added a host of new faces to the forward line, all providing competition for the side-lined star.

David Datro Fofana arrived from Molde, Joao Felix joined on loan from Atletico Madrid, whilst Mykhailo Mudryk’s move from Shakhtar Donetsk was officially confirmed yesterday.

All are significantly younger than Sterling, and represent a nod to future, one he might not be part of.