Chelsea FC is reportedly facing a significant financial challenge as the club navigates the potential termination of Raheem Sterling’s contract. The Blues may need to pay up to £22 million to resolve this matter, a situation that has arisen from the club’s bloated squad since Todd Boehly took over in 2022.
Since the departure of previous coach Enzo Maresca, Chelsea has been working to streamline its player roster. New manager Liam Rosenior has started making adjustments, welcoming some players back into first-team training. Despite these efforts, Sterling, who is the club’s highest-paid player, has not participated in any matches this season.
The 31-year-old forward is under contract with Chelsea until the summer of 2027, earning approximately £325,000 per week. Reports indicate that he may leave Stamford Bridge this month if the club and player mutually agree to terminate his contract. Should this occur, Chelsea would be responsible for the remaining financial obligations associated with his contract, estimated at £22 million.
Rosenior addressed Sterling’s situation in a recent press conference, expressing his respect for the player. “No, at the moment, I’ve said what I’ve had to say on Raheem,” Rosenior stated. “He’s a player I have massive respect for. Huge respect for him as a person and for what he’s achieved in the game. Now is not the right time to speak about his situation.”
The likelihood of Sterling returning to the pitch for Chelsea appears slim, leading to speculation about the possibility of a contract termination. While it is common for players in similar situations to negotiate reduced payouts, Sterling is not obligated to do so. If Chelsea wishes to relieve itself of his substantial wage burden, the club may need to consider honoring the full amount remaining on his contract.
In the previous summer transfer window, Fulham FC showed interest in Sterling, but no deal was finalized. Given his limited playing time over the past 18 months, it seems unlikely that another club would be willing to match his current Chelsea salary.
Some analysts, including those at FourFourTwo, suggest that a parting of ways would benefit both Sterling and Chelsea. His tenure at Stamford Bridge has faced challenges, and while the player may hesitate to relinquish a lucrative contract, it may ultimately serve his career—and the club’s interests—to seek new opportunities elsewhere.
As Chelsea navigates this complex situation, the financial implications of Sterling’s contract remain a pressing concern, impacting both the club’s payroll and future strategies.
