Raheem Sterling exits Chelsea

• Chelsea confirm Raheem Sterling has left the club after a mutual agreement to terminate his deal
• Sterling becomes a free agent after not playing for Chelsea since May 2024 and spending last season on loan at Arsenal
• Sources say Sterling wanted a permanent move, with Chelsea eager to move his wages off the books

Raheem Sterling is now a free agent after Chelsea agreed to end his contract, the club confirmed on Wednesday. The 31-year-old has not played for the Blues since May 2024, and spent last season on loan at Arsenal after being pushed out of the Stamford Bridge plans.

Sterling still had 18 months remaining on the deal he signed after joining from Manchester City in 2022 for £47.5 million, but Chelsea and the player have now opted to part ways.

He was the first major men’s signing under the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership group, following their takeover from Roman Abramovich in May 2022. Sterling went on to make 81 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 19 goals, before the club shifted towards signing younger players on longer contracts. After being frozen out under Enzo Maresca, he headed to Arsenal on loan, but failed to relaunch his form.

Sterling has not played a competitive match in eight months, dating back to Arsenal’s final game of the 2024 to 25 season, and had been training away from the first team at Cobham. After talks this week, there was no expectation of his situation changing under new head coach Liam Rosenior.

Several clubs explored a loan, but Sterling preferred a permanent move for stability. Sources also said he was hesitant to move his children from their current schools for a short-term switch. Chelsea, meanwhile, were looking to remove his £325,000 a week salary from the wage bill, and after unsuccessful attempts to secure an exit in previous windows, all sides agreed a clean break was the best option.

As a free agent, Sterling can now speak directly with clubs. Sources told ESPN he would like to stay in London, but will listen to offers from England and overseas. West Ham had shown loan interest earlier this month, while Fulham and Crystal Palace have tracked him in the past.

Chelsea confirmed the departure in a club statement: “Raheem Sterling has today departed Chelsea Football Club by mutual agreement, bringing to an end three-and-a-half seasons as our player, having signed in the summer of 2022 when he was transferred from Manchester City.

“We thank Raheem for the contribution he made while a Chelsea player and wish him well for the next stage in his career.”