Chiesa swap deal, PSG option and Harry Kane example - Raheem Sterling's Chelsea transfer decided

Raheem Sterling’s future at Chelsea has been one of the big headlines from the opening weekend of the Premier League.

The winger was left out of the squad entirely for the season opener against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. Enzo Maresca described the decision as a ‘technical’ one, but it prompted a response from the player’s representative seeking clarification on his situation.

It all points to an exit from Stamford Bridge before the end of the transfer window. But where could Sterling’s future lie?

There has been no shortage of clubs already linked with an interest, including Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and clubs in the Saudi pro league. Where could the player end up before the end of the summer and what impact could that have on the rest of the window? football.london writers have had their say.

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Amie Wilson

For Chelsea it will be all about getting the best possible deal for the club between now and the transfer deadline for Sterling. It would be preferable for the club to sell outside of the Premier League as to not strengthen a rival, the club will know the quality that Sterling can bring if a club can bring it out.

Juventus are the club that have probably been the most heavily linked, with the club looking to move on Federico Chiesa this summer. The Italian has been linked with a move to the Premier League, and the signing of Sterling is likely to push him closer to the exit door.

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Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in Chiesa. If that interest is real that Sterling could potentially be used as a bargaining chip, however, more exits may be needed if the Blues are looking to add more wide players between now and the deadline.

Oliver Jones

Given Enzo Maresca's praise for Sterling during the preseason tour of the U.S, it came as a slight surprise that he was completely left out of yesterday's 2-0 loss to Manchester City, with the Italian instead opting to turn to Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and new signing Pedro Neto as his bench options behind Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku.

While there is a lot of competition in that position at the club already, Sterling is still one of, if not the most experienced players at the club leaving his omission as a shock given the amount of young talent that's been thrust into the spotlight by the Blues in recent seasons.

As to where he could go if he was to leave, there's been a number of rumours surrounding a potential swap deal between him and Federico Chiesa at Juventus, but he'll want to find somewhere where he's guaranteed game time especially given his desire to get back into the England squad following the departure of former Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.

Isaac Seelochan

When a public statement like this is made by a player or his representatives, it becomes extremely difficult for him going forward at his current club. There is likely to be a feeling that an element of trust between manager and player has been broken, whilst most fans will have been frustrated that his statement came out just before kick-off yesterday.

It's such a poor move from a PR perspective with it also being blindingly obvious that Sterling has not performed since moving to Chelsea. Yes, he featured heavily in pre-season but so many other players had been away on international duty.

I just think it's best for both parties to move on and for Chelsea to try and recoup some of the money they paid Man City for him. That's going to be difficult as there won't be much of a market for him in the Premier League and his sale is unlikely to help them PSR-wise due to him having cost £50m.

He's also 29 so may only have a couple of years left at the highest level. But if a move abroad can be agreed then it would be in everyone's best interests.

Bruna Reis

Enzo Maresca's decision to leave Raheem Sterling out of Chelsea's opening game of the season, was telling. For me, it emphasised what the club have done over the past transfer windows, signing player after player to the point where the squad has now become congested and the club must find a solution.

There's already a lot of competition for places in Sterling's position, especially after the arrival of Pedro Neto from Wolves. With just 11 days until the window closes, it will be key for Chelsea to try and recoup of some the £50m spent on him.

Still under contract until 2027, Sterling will be among the highest earners in the squad, and it will also be important to alleviate the books in any way possible. With that said, I don't see Chelsea being keen to do business with a Premier League rival and a move abroad may be the best outcome for both parties.

Kieran King

Chelsea need to get rid of at least one of their wingers, there is no doubt about it. The arrival of Pedro Neto from Wolves has taken the number of registered first-team players in that area to at least five, if not more. As well as Neto, Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Cole Palmer can be used on either side, while Christopher Nkunku started on the left during the 2-0 defeat against Manchester City.

Out of those, for me Sterling has got to be the one that leaves. Yes, it does seem unfortunate as he impressed in pre-season and think he deserves a chance under Enzo Maresca, but a move away would be best for all parties. Where to though is the million dollar question?

It does feel like a move to a fellow Premier League club is unlikely considering his sky-high wages, meaning Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and the Saudi Pro League are the most realistic other destinations. Either way, Sterling does need to depart the Blues this summer.

Liam Wood

It looks as though the writing's on the wall for Sterling when it comes to his Chelsea career. Perhaps not quite the force he was for Liverpool and Manchester City previously, Sterling is still a more than capable operator within the Premier League and the Blues will have to be selective about who they sell him to.

That's if a move does materialise before the August 30 deadline comes and goes, of course.

Departures do need to be sanctioned at Stamford Bridge - which has resembled a revolving door under American ownership - and Sterling would help free up significant wages for their budget. Amid ongoing caution with PSR, as well, every bit helps and especially when Chelsea spend so much.

For the player himself, if Chelsea do not sell to a rival, a transfer abroad could be the best solution. Sterling will no doubt have watched long-term England team-mate Harry Kane closely at Bayern Munich - perhaps nudging him to think it might be time for him to try Serie A, La Liga or another top five league after winning the lot in England.

Bobby Vincent

At 29, Sterling needs to leave the club should he want to play regular football. He is still good enough, and he knows that, and that's why he should be looking for a move away.

Sterling does not fit this Chelsea project unfortunately. The club will continue to buy younger options on the wing and it will push the former England international back even more. The arrival of Pedro Neto proves just that.

Also, Maresca seems to prefer Mykhailo Mudryk as his left winger. It has not been great for Sterling at Stamford Bridge and it looks like it is coming to an end. Arguably, rightly so.

Joe Doyle

While it is a bit of a shock to everyone involved as to how it came about, the writing does look to be on the wall for Raheem Sterling at Chelsea. In some regards, though, it should be no surprise; he's one of the best-paid players and he hasn't been performing on that level since arriving from Man City.

On the one hand, you could call it good squad management from the club - if he isn't going to play, he should be moved on. But there is definitely something odd about Sterling featuring in every pre-season game only to be jettisoned straight away when the season starts.

Sterling's wages could prove a stumbling block in any move, as could a fee - this decision hasn't exactly sent out the message that he's a valued member of the squad, will any club be willing to stump up the cash for him, or is a loan more likely?

Rightly or wrongly, the club have set out their transfer policy and it looks like Sterling will be the next to move on. What message that sends out to prospective players they're hoping to tempt to Stamford Bridge in the future is another question.