Raheem Sterling has left Chelsea by mutual consent, ending a difficult Stamford Bridge spell and becoming a free agent at 31.
Raheem Sterling has left Chelsea by mutual consent after agreeing an early termination of his contract. The 31-year-old had 18 months remaining on a deal worth around £325,000 per week. Chelsea confirmed the agreement in a brief statement on Wednesday. Sterling becomes a free agent with immediate effect.
The England international joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022 for £47.5m. He spent three and a half seasons at Stamford Bridge. Sterling made 81 appearances in all competitions, scoring 19 goals and registering 12 assists. His last competitive appearance for Chelsea came in May 2024.
Sterling will receive a financial settlement as part of the agreement. Chelsea will save money compared to paying the remainder of his contract. Had he stayed, the club faced costs exceeding £20m. The compromise allows Chelsea to reduce their wage bill immediately.
For Sterling, the deal brings clarity after a prolonged period of uncertainty. He had been training away from the first team at Cobham. Chelsea had explored permanent and loan exits during previous windows. No move materialised until now.
Sterling arrived as a marquee signing under the club’s previous leadership. Thomas Tuchel sanctioned the move and initially trusted the winger. However managerial instability soon followed at Chelsea. Graham Potter, Frank Lampard and Mauricio Pochettino all coached Sterling within two seasons.
Despite regular involvement early on, his role diminished. Chelsea finished 12th and then sixth during his main spell. The decisive shift came under Enzo Maresca. The Italian made it clear Sterling was not part of his plans.
Sterling spent last season on loan at Arsenal. The move failed to reignite his form. He made 13 starts across all competitions and scored once. Arsenal covered a small portion of his wages.
On returning to Chelsea, Sterling remained sidelined. He trained separately and was excluded from matchday squads. Interest from Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen and Fulham did not progress. Sterling eventually pushed for a permanent resolution.
Sterling leaves Chelsea with a decorated career behind him. He has won five Premier League titles, one FA Cup and five League Cups. He earned those honours primarily at Manchester City. He also boasts 82 England caps and 20 international goals.
At club level, Sterling has never suffered a major long-term injury. He remains physically fit despite limited recent minutes. Those close to him believe he still has much to offer. His next decision will be shaped by stability and playing time.
Sterling is open to staying in London but will consider options abroad. As a free agent, he can negotiate immediately. Several clubs have already made enquiries. His priority is regular football at a competitive level.
Chelsea now move forward without one of their highest earners. The club continue their rebuild under new leadership of Liam Rosenior. Sterling’s exit closes a turbulent chapter for both sides. A fresh start now awaits.
