As Joao Felix edges ever closer to holding up a Chelsea shirt for the second time, questions have arisen over the immediate future of Raheem Sterling, who could now see a transfer as a result.
Could Joao Felix Signing for Chelsea Lead to a Raheem Sterling Transfer?
Coincidental Timing?
Fabrizio Romano gave the ‘Here We Go‘ for Felix to Chelsea earlier this afternoon (August 19), also bringing to an end the saga surrounding Conor Gallagher who will now complete his move to Atletico Madrid after being told to return to Cobham while the deal was being finalised.
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As the finishing touches were being placed on the deal for the Portuguese winger’s return to SW6 over the weekend, Chelsea fans were handed an expected surprise yesterday when the team lineup for their game against Manchester City was announced. Sterling was not included in the starting lineup or bench for the opening-day clash against his former side. Prior to kickoff, Blues boss Enzo Maresca told reporters: ‘It’s just a technical decision, nothing else to say. Managers are paid to make decisions and sometimes players don’t like it‘ when asked about the omission of the 29-year-old.
The Englishman’s management were quick to release a statement detailing both theirs and Sterling’s confusion at the decision to leave him out of the team, as the Blues were ultimately defeated 2-0 by the reigning Premier League champions. The coincidental timing of both Felix’s transfer and Sterling’s omission may not be such a coincidence.
Will Sterling Consider a Transfer Before the End of the Window?
Felix’s £36 million move to South West London means that Chelsea now have him, Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer as winger options. Willian Estevao and Kendry Paez are also due to arrive at the club in 2025, which means that somebody will have to be given the chop. The way things are going, it looks as though Sterling will be the one to depart.
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The 82-capped England international will surely be pondering his future in the final 12 days of the transfer window, however his wages will no doubt be a stumbling block for some teams.
Sterling is currently Chelsea’s highest-paid player at £325,000 p/week (according to Capology), making him the fifth-best-paid player in the Premier League after Mohamed Salah, Casemiro, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. Unless Saudi Arabia come calling, it’s unlikely that any team in Europe will be keen to pay the winger’s wage.
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With plenty of young wide talent coming in at Chelsea, the “experienced” forward should certainly be on the lookout for a fresh challenge away from Stamford Bridge with it glaringly clear that he is not in Maresca’s plans going forward.
