What’s Gone Wrong For Raheem Sterling?

Raheem Sterling hasn’t had an easy ride since departing from Manchester City in 2022. The England international, once known for his astonishing statistics and trophy haul, has struggled to re-establish himself in recent years.

From high-profile transfers, to falling outs and public statements, Raheem Sterling will be wondering how things turned out the way it did.

Following his exclusion from Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad, we take a look at the career of Raheem Sterling and what the future holds for the former England sensation.

Beginnings With Liverpool

Having broken through with Liverpool in 2012, making his professional debut at the age of 17 years and 107 days, Sterling would establish himself as one of the highest potential prospects in Europe.

The Young Player of the Year award goes to Raheem Sterling #LFCPlayersAwards pic.twitter.com/gsg7rw034H

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 19, 2015

Sterling registered 129 appearances for the Reds across four seasons, scoring 23 times alongside being named the winner of the Golden Boy in 2014 - awarded to the best young player in Europe over a calendar year.

Move To Manchester City

Following unresolved contract disputes with Liverpool, Sterling moved to Manchester City in July 2015 for £44 million with a further potential £5 million in add ons, making him the most expensive English footballer ever.

Sterling’s time in Manchester was nothing short of historic, having won four Premier League titles, five League Cups, an FA Cup and reaching the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in club history.

Raheem Sterling is Champion of England!

🔵🏆🔵 pic.twitter.com/x5jPoxRKxt

— City Chief (@City_Chief) May 6, 2018

On a personal note, Sterling was able to take his game to the next level under Pep Guardiola, scoring 131 goals in 339 appearances - including a 31 goal campaign in 2019/20.

Sterling also recorded the most combined goals and assists in Europe in 2019, with 53, beating out the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

What’s Gone Wrong?

After winning 11 trophies in seven years with Manchester City, Raheem Sterling would complete a move to Chelsea for a fee of £47.5 million in July 2022.

With the recent acquisition of Chelsea by Todd Boehly and BlueCo, the signing of a serial winner like Sterling was to bring quality and experience to a Chelsea side under transition.

Official, confirmed. Raheem Sterling joins Chelsea from Manchester City on permanent deal, contract until June 2027 with option for further season. 🔵🤝 #CFC

First signing of Chelsea new era with Todd Boehly as new owner. pic.twitter.com/K0V9D49DBb

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2022

The England international scored nine goals in 38 appearances during his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, a decrease statistically from his previous season in Manchester.

Despite the dip in numbers, Sterling’s season was viewed as a relative success considering the number of issues that would arise at Chelsea during the campaign.

However, Sterling would struggle to reach the heights of the past in the 2023/24 season. Despite scoring ten goals across the season, Sterling’s performances would come under scrutiny from the media and fans alike.

Fall Out With Marseca

Things would go from bad to worse for the former Premier League champion, as Enzo Marseca was appointed manager in June 2024.

The Italian manager joined the West London club having guided Leicester City to the Premier League as winners of the Championship.

Marseca’s appointment coincided with questions around Sterling‘ future at Stanford Bridge, as the new manager stated that he would “struggle to get minutes.”

Enzo Maresca on why Raheem Sterling is "OUT" of the Chelsea project ❌ pic.twitter.com/kroVc2N1PK

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 21, 2024

Sterling would be left out of Chelsea’s opening day fixture against Manchester City, resulting in the winger releasing a statement regarding the situation:

"Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years.

"He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.

"He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend's fixture in some capacity.

"As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem's future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation. Until then, we will continue to support Raheem's desire to start the new season positively."

Move Across London

With the prospect of receiving little to no game time at Chelsea now a worry, Sterling agreed to join Arsenal in August for the 2024/25 season.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s prior relationship with Sterling at Manchester City was thought to be a key reason in the decision to bring the out of favour winger to North London.

Sterling’s spell with the Gunners was an uneventful one, failing to score a single Premier League goal for the club - starting just seven times.

🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: Raheem Sterling has returned to Chelsea after his loan spell at Arsenal.

He scored ZERO Premier League goals for the Gunners this season.

(Source: @Arsenal) pic.twitter.com/c6eQpB27VM

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 4, 2025

Having failed to impress and Arsenal coming up short on their pursuit for silverware, it was announced that Sterling would return to Chelsea at the end of the season.

What’s next?

At just 30 years old, Raheem Sterling’s career seems to be at a crossroads for the first time.

Having not been selected for the Blues’ Club World Cup squad, it’s safe to say that his time in West London has come to an end.

With no reported interest to start the window and a salary of £300,000 a week, Chelsea will find it hard to shift the English winger.

Finance expert Stefan Borson believes that Chelsea have few options regarding the player, stating:

“Who buys Raheem Sterling this summer? With the best will in the world, he either goes to Saudi Arabia or Chelsea are effectively subsidising the deal. That’s the answer."

While Sterling’s time in the Premier League seems to have come to an end, many will wonder how such an illustrious career could be turned on its head in an instant.

No clear roadmap in sight, the future of Raheem Sterling remains a mystery.