Roma and Napoli set for a transfer duel as the English winger leaves Stamford Bridge by mutual consent.
The Raheem Sterling saga at Stamford Bridge has finally come to an end. This Wednesday (28), Chelsea officially confirmed that the 31-year-old winger has left the club by mutual agreement. After being sidelined since May 2024, Sterling is now a free agent, sparking an immediate scramble for his signature in Italy.
The Race for Sterling: Roma vs Napoli With the transfer deadline looming, two Serie A giants have emerged as the frontrunners:
- AS Roma: Sources suggest the Giallorossi have turned their attention to Sterling after hitting a wall in negotiations for Yannick Carrasco.
- Napoli: Antonio Conte is reportedly keen on adding Sterling’s experience to his squad, viewing the Englishman as a versatile attacking threat for the second half of the season.
Why the Fulham Move Failed Earlier this January, Chelsea attempted to broker a loan deal with Fulham. While the clubs reached an initial understanding, Sterling personally blocked the move. The winger was adamant about his stance: he was only interested in a permanent departure, refusing to be sent on another temporary stint.
Financial Relief for the Blues For Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea, this move is a massive strategic victory. Sterling was the club’s highest earner, taking home approximately €16.9 million (£16.6m) per year.
- Wage Bill: His exit provides significant breathing room for Chelsea to comply with FFP/PSR regulations.
- Squad Dynamics: It finally ends the “bomb squad” era, allowing Rosenior to focus entirely on the young core, including rising stars like Estêvão.
Match Details & Next Steps:
- Status: Free Agent (can sign immediately).
- Preferred Destination: Italy (Serie A).
- Deadline: January 31st (Midnight).
James Horan is a football writer focused on the Premier League transfer market, covering confirmed signings, transfer rumors, and club strategies during the transfer windows.
