Raheem Sterling Becomes Free Agent After Leaving Chelsea

omidbasir- Raheem Sterling is now a free agent following an agreement with Chelsea FC to terminate his contract, the club confirmed on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old forward last played for Chelsea in May 2024, after spending the previous season on loan at Arsenal, where he was considered surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.

At the time of his departure, Sterling had 18 months remaining on the contract he signed upon joining Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022 for £47.5 million ($64 million). However, both parties mutually agreed that it was time for him to leave the club.

Sterling was the first significant signing made during the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital era, which began with their acquisition of the club from Roman Abramovich in May 2022.

During his tenure at Chelsea, Sterling made 81 appearances and scored 19 goals. Recently, the club has shifted its focus toward signing younger players with long-term contracts. After being sidelined under coach Enzo Maresca, he moved to Arsenal on loan last season but struggled to regain his form.

It has been eight months since he played a competitive match, with his last appearance coming in Arsenal’s final game of the 2024-25 season. He has been training separately from the first-team squad at Cobham.

After discussions this week, it became clear that his situation would not change under the new head coach, Liam Rosenior. Sources indicated that while several clubs had shown interest in a loan arrangement, Sterling preferred a permanent transfer to establish stability in his career. Additionally, he was hesitant to disrupt his children’s education by moving temporarily.

Chelsea was eager to reduce Sterling’s £325,000-a-week salary from their wage bill and had previously attempted to facilitate a suitable exit for him. Eventually, all parties concluded that a mutual separation was the best path forward.

As a free agent, Sterling is now free to negotiate directly with clubs. While he has expressed a desire to remain in London, he is open to offers from both domestic and international teams. West Ham initially showed interest in a loan, while Fulham and Crystal Palace have kept an eye on his situation.

Sterling is an appealing prospect as a free agent, boasting 82 international caps, 13 major trophies, and an MBE awarded in 2021. He is also recognized as a prominent advocate for anti-discrimination efforts.

In a statement, Chelsea said: “Raheem Sterling has today departed Chelsea Football Club by mutual agreement, concluding a three-and-a-half-year tenure with us since signing in the summer of 2022 from Manchester City. We thank Raheem for his contributions during his time at Chelsea and wish him success in the next chapter of his career.”