Raheem Sterling told how to escape Chelsea's 'bomb squad'
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(Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media/Imago)
Alex Oakhill
Sun 28 September 2025 11:18, UK
Raheem Sterling has been told what he must do to escape Enzo Maresca’s ‘bomb squad’ at Chelsea.
Sterling is training away from the main group at the West London club, along with outcast teammate Axel Disasi.
The Professional Footballers’ Association contacted Chelsea about their treatment of the two players, who Maresca doesn’t see in his future plans.
However, the PFA is currently happy with the situation, despite the apparent exile, and will continue to monitor from afar.
Credit: Imago
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Sterling must take a wage cut in order to push through a Chelsea exit.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that the PFA don’t need to get involved with the ‘bomb squad’ situation, and that the former England international cannot complain about Maresca’s decision.
Sterling was linked with moves to Fulham and West Ham United over the summer transfer window, but his Chelsea departure ultimately fell through.
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Wyness added that it is up to the Blues winger to find a solution to his current problem.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “If you really want to move and do something about it, then it’s up to you to take a pay cut.
“Maybe they should be getting some sports psychiatrists to work with Sterling and supporting him that way to get him back up there, rather than trying to take the battle to the club.
There’s a carrot and a stick in football clubs.
And if you’re on the outside, then you’ve got to work hard to get back in.
“I’ve seen players do it before, and they get that rude awakening, and it can work.
So accept it, get on with it, work harder and get yourself back in the manager’s thoughts.”
Meanwhile, Celtic may not be able to sign Sterling from Chelsea due to his eye-watering wages, sources have told Football Insider.
The ex-Manchester City and Liverpool star’s high salary at Stamford Bridge put off several clubs during the summer window.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 20 September that Sterling could head to Celtic to be reunited with former manager Brendan Rodgers.
Credit: Imago
However, sources say that the Hoops are not in the financial position to be able to cover the former England international’s wages.
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