Raheem Sterlingās Chelsea career has been offered an unexpected potential reprieve, with newly appointed head coach Liam Rosenior confirming he will hold decisive talks with the exiled winger regarding his future at Stamford Bridge.
The development, reported by The Mirror, marks a significant shift in tone from the previous regime. Under Enzo Maresca, Sterling was ruthlessly banished to the so-called "bomb squad," spending the 2024/25 campaign on a largely forgettable loan at Arsenal before returning to train in isolation.
Roseniorās āClean Slateā Dilemma
Rosenior, who replaced Maresca earlier this week, has arrived with a mandate to stabilize a fractured dressing room. Speaking ahead of his Carabao Cup semi-final debut, the 41-year-old admitted that addressing the situation of Sterlingāand fellow exile Axel Disasiāis near the top of his agenda.
āI will have conversations with them. Weāre in January,ā Rosenior stated. āRaheem has had an outstanding career. Iāve got huge respect for him... honestly, I have to have a conversation with them. I have to have a conversation with the club.ā
While Roseniorās comments suggest a willingness to assess the squad on merit, the tactical reality is complex. Roseniorās high-pressing, possession-heavy system requires intensity that Sterling struggled to deliver consistently during his loan spell at the Emirates last season. Reintegrating a 31-year-old on massive wages who hasn't played a competitive minute for Chelsea in 18 months would be a bold political move for a manager in his first week.
The Ā£325,000-a-Week Problem
Despite the managerās diplomatic openness, the financial reality remains the elephant in the room. Sterling has 18 months remaining on a contract worth a reported Ā£325,000 per week. For the BlueCo ownership, getting those wages off the books is a financial priority that likely supersedes any sporting desire to rehabilitate him.
If Rosenior decides he wants to use Sterling, he will have to win a battle with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, who have spent the last year trying to force the player out. The clubās preference remains a permanent exit, but finding a buyer willing to match Sterlingās salary expectations has proven impossible.
Napoli and Fulham Circling
If the talks with Rosenior conclude that there is no pathway back, two potential escape routes have emerged. Fulham have reportedly maintained an interest in keeping Sterling in London, though their wage structure would require a massive subsidy from Chelsea.
More intriguingly, Napoli have been credited with an interest. Antonio Conteās side are looking for experience to bolster their Serie A title charge, and the Italian leagueās slower pace could suit Sterlingās current physical profile. However, any move to Naples would likely be an initial loan.
Market Reaction
The uncertainty has caused fluctuation in the betting markets. The Raheem Sterling next club odds have drifted slightly for a January exit following Roseniorās comments, reflecting a belief that the new manager might genuinely offer a "clean slate." However, with the window closing in two weeks, the "talks" Rosenior promised will likely be the final act of Sterlingās Chelsea career, one way or another.