Raheem Sterling has officially parted ways with Chelsea after both parties agreed to terminate his contract, bringing an end to his turbulent spell at Stamford Bridge.
The England international, who still had 18 months left on a deal worth £325,000 per week, departs following a mutual agreement that will see him receive a reduced financial settlement, reportedly less than the more than £20 million he would have earned had he remained until the end of his contract.
Sterling joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a high-profile £47.5 million move in 2022 and spent three and a half seasons at the club during a period marked by constant managerial changes and instability. In a brief statement, Chelsea thanked the forward for his service and wished him well in the next chapter of his career.
During his time in west London, Sterling made 81 appearances in all competitions, scoring 19 goals, but his involvement faded significantly in recent months. He has not featured in a competitive match since May 2024 and had been training away from the first team at the club’s Cobham base after failing to secure a permanent transfer during the summer window.
Several European clubs, including Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen, were linked with the winger, while talks over a possible move to Fulham failed to produce an agreement. Despite the uncertainty, Sterling is understood to be keen on remaining in London, although he is also open to opportunities elsewhere in England and abroad.
The forward’s Chelsea move was one of the early marquee signings under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, with Boehly acting as de facto sporting director at the time. Those who sanctioned the deal are no longer central to decision-making at the club, reflecting the broader reset that has taken place behind the scenes.
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Sterling arrived at Chelsea when Thomas Tuchel was head coach, but his first two seasons saw him work under Graham Potter, Frank Lampard and Mauricio Pochettino. Despite the upheaval, he remained a regular, helping the club finish 12th and later sixth in the Premier League. That status changed under new manager Enzo Maresca, who decided the winger was no longer part of his plans, effectively sidelining him from the first team.
A loan move to Arsenal last season offered little revival and proved disappointing, though it allowed Sterling to remain in London after relocating his young family from Manchester in 2022. His desire for stability, both on and off the pitch, has been a key factor in his career decisions, including his reluctance to move far from the capital.
As Sterling weighs his next move, his focus is on security, consistent football and a fresh start after a prolonged period on the fringes. Having won 13 major trophies during a glittering career that began at Liverpool, the 31-year-old now faces a pivotal decision over where the next chapter will be written.
