Raheem Sterling: An Uncertain Future After a Misstep
Raheem Sterling is at a crossroads. After being discarded by Chelsea and having an unfruitful loan season at Arsenal, the 30-year-old player returns to Stamford Bridge this summer. The situation suggests the search for a new club and a fresh start.This landscape represents a notable decline for one of England’s most prominent footballers, a player decorated with 11 trophies and a role model for many. His career led him to be recognized with an MBE award in 2021 for his services to racial equality.
Sterling has played for four of the most important clubs in England: Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal. His transfer to the Gunners last summer was seen as an opportunity to revitalize his career. However, he now faces the most uncertain preseason of his professional life. We analyze how he got to this situation and what could happen next.
Arsenal’s Failed Gamble on the Last Day
Sterling was the most prominent member of the so-called “bomb squad” at Chelsea, a term used in British football to describe players marginalized by their coaches. Chelsea’s new coach, Enzo Maresca, informed him last summer that he would not be counting on him for his first season.Sources close to the player revealed that the news surprised Sterling, as he had participated in the club’s six pre-season friendlies in the United States and seemed to have forged a promising relationship with Maresca. However, Chelsea’s need to reduce their squad was urgent, and Sterling understood that he had to look for another destination if he wanted to avoid a long period of inactivity.
The transfer to Arsenal was finalized at the end of the market. Although Arsenal did not have Sterling on their list of targets, the situation changed when Chelsea lowered their demands on the last day, in an attempt to sell the player, who had rejected a “huge offer” to join a Saudi Professional League club.
Arsenal discussed the proposal internally. Financially, it was attractive: there was no loan fee and Chelsea was willing to pay most of Sterling’s weekly salary. Coach Mikel Arteta also had a good relationship with Sterling, from their time together at Manchester City. The player was enthusiastic about the possibility of reuniting with Arteta and the potential of Arsenal to compete for major titles. Personal terms were quickly agreed and Sterling was announced as an Arsenal player.
Despite an impressive career at four of England’s biggest clubs, Raheem Sterling faces an uncertain future.
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Unfulfilled Promises and Disillusionment
Sterling’s adaptation to Arsenal was facilitated by his connections with other players such as Kai Havertz and Jorginho, former Chelsea teammates. He had also played with Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko at City, while Ben White, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice were England teammates.
Sources close to the matter reported that Sterling would not be a regular starter at Arsenal, but would have regular opportunities to contribute throughout the season, providing depth on both wings. A goal in his first start offered hope, but he was substituted after 37 minutes in his first Premier League start against Bournemouth. He did not start in the league again until January 15.
Arteta didn’t always rotate his key players, preferring a core group to play most of the season. Sterling’s lack of participation raised questions, to which Arteta didn’t always offer clear answers. The player had few opportunities to prove his worth. He ended up with two assists and 310 touches in the Premier League, and a total of 496 minutes in 17 appearances.
Despite Sterling’s personal frustration over his lack of playing time, he continued to be a positive influence on Arsenal’s younger players. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri enjoyed standout seasons, and Sterling was an important sounding board for both teenagers.
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What’s Next for Sterling?
Without a purchase option on his loan, Sterling returns to Chelsea this summer. Sources close to him indicate that he is not interested in moving to Saudi Arabia or Major League Soccer, as he feels he is at the peak of his career and capable of contributing to a top-level team. Although he is expected to return to Chelsea for pre-season, it is unlikely that he will be part of Maresca’s squad for the upcoming Club World Cup.
It seems difficult to imagine a future for Sterling at Stamford Bridge, despite the fact that he has two years left on his contract. The club is very different from the one he joined in 2021.
Sterling was an important figure in helping young people cope with instability at Chelsea. He still recorded 13 goal involvements in 2022-23 and 18 in 2023-24. Some believe Sterling was treated unfairly at Chelsea, but his performance in the last year makes it a risk for a major club to sign him.The options in England seem limited, as he has already played for four of the six big clubs. There will surely be interest from Europe, although his current salary could be an obstacle. Nobody should rule out a player with Sterling’s achievements and experience, but neither can one predict with certainty what will happen next.
