Sterling Poised to Leave Chelsea in January Transfer Shake

Raheem Sterling is edging closer to an exit from Chelsea before the January transfer window slams shut, with talks ongoing between the club and the winger’s representatives.

According to reports from Sky Sports, Chelsea are eager to move the 31-year-old on as they look to trim their wage bill and reshape their squad under new management.

Sterling is understood to prefer a permanent solution rather than a short-term loan deal, with all parties keen to finalise any agreement before Monday’s deadline.

The former Manchester City star has been training separately since August 2025 and remains surplus to requirements despite the appointment of Liam Rosenior as head coach.

Sterling spent last season on loan at Arsenal, where he scored just once in 28 appearances across all competitions. His last outing for Chelsea came back in May 2024, underlining how far he has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge.

Signed from Manchester City in 2022 for £47.5 million, Sterling remains Chelsea’s highest earner on a reported £325,000 per week — a figure that has complicated efforts to secure a move.

Fulham have emerged as potential suitors once again, having previously been linked with the England international in the summer. The west London side are active in the market but are also pursuing Oscar Bobb and PSV striker Ricardo Pepi, which could delay any formal approach for Sterling.

West Ham had explored a loan deal for the winger earlier in the window, but Sterling quickly rejected the move, keen to remain in London and secure a permanent contract elsewhere.

A pay cut now appears unavoidable if Sterling is to engineer a move away from Chelsea, but the winger will hope a fresh start can reignite a career that once made him one of the Premier League’s most feared attackers.

Sterling is a member of the Premier League’s 100-goal club and was a key figure in Manchester City’s era of dominance under Pep Guardiola, winning four league titles and numerous domestic honours.

Although his spell at Arsenal proved underwhelming, there remains belief that he can still offer quality and experience to a side willing to provide regular minutes. Fulham could benefit from his direct running and box presence from the left flank, especially with summer signing Kevin yet to score in the league despite flashes of promise.

For Chelsea, Sterling’s departure would represent another step in their ongoing squad overhaul. For the player himself, it could be a final opportunity to revive a glittering but stalling Premier League career.