Raheem Sterling looks on his way out of Chelsea this summer after falling out with Enzo Maresca. The 29-year-old released a statement saying he’s disillusioned at Chelsea, one hour before their 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.
Maresca said Sterling has no future at Stamford Bridge, so a departure is expected before the transfer window shuts. There’s plenty of interest in Sterling, but Chelsea want a replacement as part of the deal.
Maresca does have a bloated squad, but he’s lacking wingers who can create opportunities for the attackers. Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku operate centrally while Mykhaylo Mudryk has struggled for consistency.
What does the report say?
Chris Wheeler and Sami Mokbel of Mail Online say Chelsea are in talks with Manchester United about Raheem Sterling. The Blues want Jadon Sancho to be part of any deal that sees him going to Old Trafford, however. Both clubs have a high-earning wide-man who is surplus to requirements, so a deal makes sense.
Man Utd are selling a lot of deadwood this summer to raise funds as they’ve spent a lot on new players. Sancho has no future in Manchester, so the Red Devils will jump at the chance to move him on. Erik ten Hag has Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Amad Diallo, so Sancho won’t be missed.
What obstacle could prevent a move?
United being overstocked on the wing might be why they don’t sign Sterling. Ten Hag has two options on either side, even without Sancho, so they may prioritise other positions. Sterling might not be keen on joining the Red Devils either, having played for Manchester City. He may not consider United a good career move right now.
Then there’s the money. Sterling earns £325,000-a-week in wages and isn’t keen on taking a cut if he joins another club. It may take a wealthy suitor to agree a deal unless Chelsea pick up some of the slack.
Age may also a factor, as Sancho is five years younger than Sterling, so it could be argued that he’s worth more. Sterling had a far better season, however, with eight goals and four assists from 31 league games. Sancho had five goal contributions from 17 league games for two different clubs.
There are only days left to agree a deal, so talks may have to be accelerated.
