Raheem Sterling has now found himself in Chelsea’s so-called “bomb squad” — a group of players considered surplus to requirements and training away from the first team under manager Enzo Maresca.
Since his £50 million move from Manchester City in 2022, Sterling has struggled to produce consistent performances. At 30 years old, he is no longer part of Maresca’s plans, yet moving him on is proving to be a major challenge.
Sterling earns £325,000 per week and still has close to £30 million remaining on his contract, which runs until 2027. These financial terms make it very difficult for Chelsea to negotiate an exit. Adding to the complexity, Sterling is reluctant to relocate his family, further lowering the club’s chances of securing a buyer.
While the Saudi Pro League and the Turkish Super Lig could offer potential destinations, no formal bids have been made. For now, this leaves Chelsea paying a hefty wage to a player who has no role in the squad, and Sterling facing a steep decline from the days when he was regarded as one of England’s brightest stars.
Unless a surprise transfer opportunity arises, both sides may be forced to live with this standstill for at least two more years. The situation highlights the risks and long-term costs of offering lucrative contracts to players who ultimately fail to meet expectations.
