Sterling wants to leave Chelsea even after Enzo Maresca’s dismissal

Raheem Sterling has formally informed Chelsea of his desire to leave the club on a permanent basis, even after the board confirmed the dismissal of head coach Enzo Maresca. The England international is determined to secure a definitive exit during the current transfer window and has ruled out the possibility of another loan move.

Sterling Submits Transfer Request to Chelsea Board

According to The Athletic, Sterling has made it clear to Chelsea’s hierarchy that he wants a permanent departure and is no longer open to temporary solutions. The winger believes his future lies away from Stamford Bridge and is pushing for a fresh start elsewhere as soon as possible.

Sterling has recently been linked with Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Fulham, with discussions involving the Cottagers reportedly progressing in recent weeks. A Chelsea player was even mentioned as part of a potential deal, although Sterling’s insistence on a permanent move could alter the structure of negotiations.

Decision Unchanged After Maresca Exit

Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Enzo Maresca has not influenced Sterling’s stance. Since the Italian coach arrived at Stamford Bridge, the winger found himself completely sidelined and failed to make a single appearance under his management.

Despite Maresca’s dismissal, Sterling has no intention of waiting to reassess his role under a new manager. The forward believes the relationship with the club has run its course and remains focused on securing a move away before the transfer window closes.

Chelsea Keen to Reduce Wage Burden

While Sterling trains separately to maintain fitness for a new challenge, Chelsea are actively exploring options to offload the player. His salary has become a significant concern for the club as it continues to reshape its squad and manage financial sustainability.

Figures from Capology indicate that Sterling earns a base wage of approximately £325,000 per week, making him Chelsea’s highest-paid player. His salary exceeds that of captain Reece James by around £75,000 per week, highlighting the scale of the financial commitment involved.

With Sterling no longer part of the club’s plans, Chelsea view his contract as an unnecessary expense and are expected to intensify talks with interested clubs, including Crystal Palace and Fulham, in an effort to finalize a permanent transfer.

When Did Sterling Last Play Competitive Football?

Raheem Sterling spent last season on loan at Arsenal following Maresca’s decision to exclude him from Chelsea’s squad. During his time at the Emirates Stadium, the winger struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under Mikel Arteta, featuring mainly as a substitute before suffering an injury setback.

Sterling made 28 appearances for the Gunners, registering one goal and one assist. His most recent competitive outing came on May 25, 2025, when he played 63 minutes in Arsenal’s 2–1 Premier League victory over Sunderland on the final day of the season.