Why This Chelsea Flop's Career Might Be Over...

Free From A Nightmare

Raheem Sterling has decided to end his contract early with Chelsea in a bid to save his career, but it might be too late.

The 31-year-old was on a hefty 325k-a-week deal and still had 18 months left on his contract but decided now was the time to salvage some of his footballing years.

The England international had 82 caps for his country and hasn't played a competitive game for Chelsea since May 2024, and his loan spell at Arsenal last year was nothing short of lackluster.

Sterling has had an illustrious career with Liverpool and Manchester City , scoring over 100 goals for the club and winning multiple Premier League titles. However, his £47.5m move to Chelsea in 2022 has left a stain on what was once considered a brilliant career.

Sterling has options on the table, but the Sterling that was once there might never return.

Raheem Sterling has been one of the best players of his generation, ten major trophies & over eighty England caps. Don’t let recency bias fool you that he wasn’t!

🔵 Pep’s best winger at Man City
⚪️ England best player at Euro 2021
🏆 FWPOTY

https://t.co/F95hlHXYoB

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) January 30, 2026

Who Are Interested?

There is no denying Sterling was an extremely underrated footballer who produced many magical moments on many occasions. Luckily, in his case, these moments could be what is keeping clubs interested in securing his signature.

A recent report has heard that Tottenham Hotspur are interesting in signing Sterling and Thomas Frank is highly interested. It is one way to try and save your managerial career on a declining Sterling who hasn't played a single minute of football this year. Luckily for Sterling, Spurs are rich enough and perhaps foolish enough to pay his expected wages, which are thought to be high. He has also expressed a desire to stay in the capital, which Spurs can offer.

Tipsters have Fulham as the most likely side to sign Sterling. The Cottagers haven't had a consistent performer playing on the left wing, so if Sterling were to lower his wage demands and be fit to play, it could be a low-risk, high-upside signing.

The same goes for West Ham United who are thought to be interested, but the recent performances of Crysencio Summerville and signing of Adama Traoré makes them less likely to sign Sterling.

Finally, a move to Italy seems like a valuable option for Sterling, as Napoli are reported to be interested. It is a league in which former Premier League players have had a lot of success, such as Scott McTominay. Also, injuries to wingers David Neres and Matteo Politano mean the Italian side are in need of some reinforcements.

The Harsh Truth For Sterling

Whilst clubs are rumoured to be interested in Sterling, it is rare to see that clubs will want to prioritise a 31-year-old winger who hasn't played at all this season, has high wage demands and hasn't played well in his last couple of seasons.

It is hard to envision where Sterling would fit, especially in a Premier League side where most English fans have already given up on the attacker.

Sterling might have to take a big hit to his ego to play some regular football again. Clubs aren't going to prioritise his return to sacrifice a potential young player making their mark on the left wing.

Additionally, no one knows what form Sterling is going to be in. Having not played for so long, it will take some time for him to find his groove again, and even then, teams won't want to wait too long for him to rediscover his scoring touch. Injuries could also be a worry, and Sterling doesn't have the pace or agility he once had either.

It might be unfair to judge too early before Sterling has even joined a new team, but it is fair to say it is a risk for any side that signs the 31-year-old.

🚨 Raheem Sterling’s representatives are in talks with 7 Champions League level clubs who want to sign him.

(Source: SkySports) pic.twitter.com/cQS8BlRoLw

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 29, 2026

All Is Not Lost

Risks aside, Sterling could also bring a lot to the table for a host of clubs. Last year, Mikel Arteta praised Sterling for his work ethic and as a brilliant role model for the Gunners' youth players.

His experience is unmatched compared to most players, as he has scored nearly 200 goals and won 10 major trophies. This is important to sides chasing some silverware, especially as Sterling has been at most major competitions.

Regarding his ability, it is also quite harsh to say Sterling is far past his peak. He could end up being a very consistent performer for any side if he is playing with confidence. The ability never disappears, and in the correct environment, Sterling could flourish. The added pressure of when he signed for Chelsea and a loan move to Arsenal meant all eyes were on him. A low-key move to a lesser-known club could do Sterling wonders.

If he can get back to his best and if his wage demands aren't too high, then it