Raheem Sterling is not with Chelsea’s squad at this summer’s Club World Cup tournament, and it would be a major surprise to see him ever play for the Blues again.
Raheem Sterling, who joined Chelsea back in 2022, has failed to succeed during his time at Stamford Bridge.
As a result, it was no surprise to see the 30-year-old winger spend the 2024/25 season out on loan at Arsenal, where he struggled to make a notable impact as well.
Chelsea want to sell Sterling this summer after a disappointing Arsenal loan because they’ve moved on with a new crop of wide players.
Fulham now linked with Raheem Sterling
Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed via Substack that Fulham have been ‘alerted’ to the availability of Chelsea’s Sterling as he looks for a new club.
It is explained that the Englishman wants to stay in London to be close to his family, so he’s limited on where he could move next. Sterling will need to lower his wage demands, and that’s something he may be willing to do.
Phillips adds that Fulham like Sterling and have an interest in signing him. However, Marco Silva’s side are weighing up whether they can make a move because his wages are an issue and will need to be lowered.
If Fulham secure a deal for Sterling, it would be an incredible coup. He’s got an incredible CV despite a drop-off in recent years.
Paul Merson suggested Leeds United as a good fit for Sterling following their promotion back to the Premier League. Wherever he goes next, it feels important that the experienced winger gets back to playing regularly.
Sterling was desperate to leave Chelsea a year ago before making the short move to Arsenal. It would be great for all parties if his future can be sorted sooner rather than later in this summer window.
The evolution of Chelsea’s wingers
If you rewind to the 2022/23 season, Chelsea’s wide options included the likes of Sterling, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech.
Ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, the Blues will be able to call upon the likes of Estevao Willian, Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke in the wide positions. Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens is strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, too.
In Enzo Maresca’s system, Chelsea need lots of speed, agility and creativity in their wingers.
While we do believe Sterling could be a shrewd pick up for someone like Fulham, it’s obvious he’s declined and wouldn’t suit the new-look Chelsea.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
