Raheem Sterling edges towards Chelsea exit as odds slashed for shock January move

Raheem Sterling Edges Towards Chelsea Exit as Odds Slashed for Shock January Move

Raheem Sterling is increasingly likely to leave Chelsea in the January transfer window, with betting odds dramatically shortened amid growing interest from London rivals West Ham and Fulham. The 31-year-old winger, frozen out at Stamford Bridge, has not featured for the Blues since May 2024 and was omitted from Enzo Maresca's plans, training separately alongside Axel Disasi[1][3].

Sterling spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Arsenal, making 28 appearances and scoring once, but the Gunners declined a permanent deal[2][3]. His £325,000-a-week wages—part of the contract until June 2027 from his £47.5m move from Manchester City in 2022—have deterred suitors, complicating offloads in recent windows[1][3]. Chelsea are eager to remove his salary from the books and prioritize a permanent exit over loans[3].

New head coach Liam Rosenior, appointed after Maresca's departure, will hold talks with Sterling and Disasi about their futures[1]. However, former Manchester City adviser Stefan Borson expressed surprise at Chelsea's failure to secure a January 1 departure, questioning reintegration and noting limited demand: "I don’t understand why they weren’t working very hard throughout the autumn to make sure that on 1 January he was moving"[1].

West Ham have approached for a loan, but Sterling prefers permanence or a buy obligation, reportedly favoring Fulham's mid-table stability (11th, 13 points above West Ham) over the Hammers' relegation fight[2][3]. He wishes to stay in London but is open to moves abroad if ideal offers arise[3]. Speculation of Chelsea paying off his deal persists, with the window closing February 2[1]. As outgoings dominate Chelsea's plans, Sterling's exit odds have plunged, signaling an imminent resolution[4][5].

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