Chelsea rip up Raheem Sterling’s contract to put Premier League clubs on red alert

Raheem Sterling has left Chelsea after his contract was terminated 18 months early.

The 31-year-old, who has been the club’s highest-paid player since arriving in 2022, had not featured in a blue shirt since May 2024.

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He had been banished from first-team training as part of the so-called ‘bomb squad’ and Chelsea have been desperately trying to offload him before the winter transfer deadline on February 2.

Having failed to find a buyer, the Blues have announced that Sterling is now a free agent.

A club statement read: “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.”

The England international had around £22million worth of wages remaining on his deal, which was due to expire in 2027.

That would make ending his contract expensive for Chelsea even if a settlement has been agreed for less.

Reacting on his Instagram story, Sterling wrote: “All eyes on the future. God is great.”

Sterling had summer options with Fulham, Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen, but a move never materialised.

West Ham United also made an enquiry this winter but Sterling was not interested in a loan despite wanting to ideally remain in London.

With Crystal Palace also thought to be interested, Sterling is now free to negotiate a permanent transfer and does not have to secure a move before Monday’s deadline.

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Chelsea’s Champions League opponents tonight Napoli are also believed to hold an interest in the England winger.

However, it remains to be seen whether Sterling is prepared to move outside of England having been reluctant to over the summer.

Needed to end

When Chelsea signed Sterling from Manchester City in the summer of 2022, he was one of the first arrivals of the Todd Boehly era.

The fee of £50m for a proven Premier League goalscorer and serial winner looked to be a good deal for all involved.

The forward was also a key player for England at the time.

In his first year, the manager who signed him – Thomas Tuchel – left, but he still made 38 appearances across all competitions for the Blues.

The year after saw him make 41 appearances, and he was a key player for Chelsea.

But with Enzo Maresca‘s arrival, Sterling was informed he wouldn’t be part of the squad and joined Arsenal for the 2024/25 season.

That move didn’t work out, and he hasn’t kicked a ball since May 2025, the last day of the season against Southampton.

Chelsea’s treatment of Sterling led to calls for the PFA to step in and intervene.

This happened when the former Liverpool winger posted on his Instagram story appearing to show him heading to training at 8:21pm.

Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast at the time, Aston Villa legend Gabby Agbonlahor said: “For Raheem Sterling, yes, last season wasn’t at his best. 17 Premier League games for Arsenal, only four starts, no goals, two assists. But he’s only 30, Raheem Sterling now.

“82 England caps, 20 goals, four Premier League titles, five League Cups, one FA Cup. And he’s training on his own, being treated so badly by the manager.

“This is the problem that I have with some fans, because they moan about players like Isak, like Wissa, wanting to leave. But when a club doesn’t want you, they will treat you like absolute garbage.

“They will make you train at this time. They will make you sit in the changing room on your own, away from your teammates.

“What about Raheem Sterling’s mental health? What about [Axel] Disasi’s mental health?”