Raheem Sterling in race against time to join Champions League club due to little-known rule

The clock is ticking on Raheem Sterling’s Champions League aspirations.

Sterling is without a club following the termination of his contract with Chelsea, bringing an end to his tumultuous Stamford Bridge stint.

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As a free agent, Sterling will have plenty of choice on where he goes next dependent on which clubs table formal offers.

The ex-Manchester City winger can also join a club whenever he desires.

However, there is a deadline in place if Sterling wants to join a club competing in Europe’s marquee club competition.

According to UEFA regulations, clubs who will compete in the knockout stages of the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League have until midnight on Thursday to lock in their full squad list.

Clubs in the three European club competitions are permitted to make a maximum of three changes to the squads they submitted for the league phase, which has now concluded.

As for where Sterling could go next, talkSPORT understands the 31-year-old is in talks with clubs in England and across Europe about a potential move.

It is also understood Sterling is most likely to join a top three club on the continent.

Sterling’s contract with Chelsea was torn up on January 28 as the west London outfit cut ties with one of their highest earners.

At the time of his exit, Sterling had not played for Chelsea since May 2024.

“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,” a Chelsea statement said.

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

Sterling issued a brief statement of his own on Instagram, writing: “All eyes on the future. God is great.”

The winger was linked with a move last summer as it became clear he was not a part of ex-Blues boss Enzo Maresca’s plans.

Fulham, Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen were all credited with an interest, but a summer departure never materialised.

West Ham also enquired about Sterling in Januarybut were quickly rebuffed.

Another side who were linked with a swoop for Sterling was Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin.

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Speaking on Sky, Union general manager Horst Heldt said: “Sometimes you have to rub your eyes… In this case, it didn’t really seem serious.

“We didn’t pursue it any further.”

Despite Heldt’s claim, talkSPORT understands no one from Sterling’s camp had offered the winger to Union.

Sterling’s last competitive appearance was on May 25, as he started for Arsenal in a 2-1 win over Southampton to round out the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.