The summer transfer window was an incredibly busy one for all teams, but particularly for Chelsea. The Blues had an outrageous amount of outgoings and incomings, with the former no doubt linked to their already inflated squad size. However, there was one player who failed to secure his move out: Raheem Sterling.
‘Sad Situation’ As Chelsea Veteran Is Stuck After Deadline
Raheem Sterling Fails to Secure Move
Sterling had spent the summer training away from the Chelsea first-team, as he knew he was not a part of the club’s plans. He was listed for a sale or a loan over the window, but one did not materialise, and now the deadline has passed. The player had been “putting in a lot of physical work” to prepare himself for a transfer and to rediscover his best form.
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Jacob Steinberg stated that it is a “sad situation”. Sterling has been described as a “veteran” in this squad: despite only being 30-years-old, he has been a “positive influence” on the abundance of youthful players at Stamford Bridge under the new regime. For him not to find a move feels unjust.
Could He Still Move?
Despite the English windows now being shut, along with most European leagues tonight, there are still a few options. The Turkish window does not shut until September 12, whilst the Saudi Arabian one will stay open until September 23. However, these leagues are not very competitive, and a move here may be viewed as an acceptance that one’s career is finished at the top level.
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Unsurprisingly, Sterling has no interest in a transfer to either of these destinations. Despite struggling for form, he still played 28 matches for Arsenal last year, and 43 for the Blues the year before that. He could still be a valuable asset to a decent side.
