Stefan Borson ‘Surprised’ After Chelsea Make Raheem Sterling Free Transfer Decision

Football pundit Stefan Borson expressed surprise at Chelsea's bold decision to offer Raheem Sterling a free transfer, marking a dramatic turn in the winger's troubled stint at Stamford Bridge.[2]

Sterling's £50 million move from Manchester City to Chelsea in 2022 has soured rapidly. Now 31, the England international has been completely frozen out by manager Enzo Maresca this season, not featuring in a single match. Shockingly, he lacks even a profile on the club's official website and has been training alone while pursuing personal projects.[1] With 18 months remaining on his lucrative £300,000-per-week contract, Sterling remains determined to revive his top-flight career without uprooting his young family.

Chelsea's free transfer gambit aims to offload the high earner amid stalled loan talks. Borson, a respected voice on transfer dealings, admitted he was caught off guard by the Blues' willingness to absorb significant wages just to facilitate an exit, calling it an "unprecedented move" for a player of Sterling's pedigree.[2] "I didn't see this coming from Chelsea—they're usually shrewd in negotiations," Borson noted, highlighting the financial hit the club is prepared to take.

Interest persists from London rivals Fulham and Crystal Palace, who are scouting wide attackers for the January window. Both clubs favor younger talents but have been briefed on deal terms. Sterling prefers a stay in the capital to maintain family stability, only considering abroad moves with long-term guarantees.[1][3] Despite his fringes status, he insists he has "plenty to offer" at the Premier League level.

As the window closes, Fulham and Palace represent potential lifelines. Chelsea's free transfer decision underscores their desperation to reset squad finances under new ownership pressures, leaving Sterling at a career crossroads.[1][2]

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