Paul Merson believes Chelsea will find it difficult to move Raheem Sterling on this summer, partly due to his high wages.
It’s set to be another busy summer with plenty of players coming and going at Stamford Bridge, which has been the case since Todd Boehly and Clearlake took over nearly two years ago.
If reports are too be believed then Sterling is a player the Blues are happy to try and move on at the end of the season.
Not many takers for Sterling this summer?
Sterling arrived at Chelsea in the summer of 2022 in a deal worth £50m from Manchester City, but it’s fair to say he hasn’t lived up to expectations.
The 29-year-old has had a difficult campaign and has even been booed by supporters for a series of poor performances.
The former City man still has three years remaining on his astronomical deal believed to be worth £325,000 per week.
Sterling has scored eight goals and provided eight assists from 40 appearances in all competitions this season, and whilst the Blues have plenty of saleable assets, Merson believes the winger isn’t one of those, partly down to his high wages.
“I like Raheem Sterling and still think he’s got lots to offer, but I don’t know how many takers he’ll have due to his wages”, Merson told Sportskeeda.
“It’ll be interesting to see how his future pans out this summer.”
Sterling has lost his place in the side and hasn’t started a game for the Blues since the 3-2 win over Newcastle at Stamford Bridge in March.
Mauricio Pochettino is sticking with youngsters Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke in the wide areas, with Madueke in particularly impressing in recent weeks.
It’s been reported there’s interest in Sterling from Saudi Arabia and he received an approach last summer, but is believed to not be interested in a move.
It will be interesting to see what the summer holds, but it feels like the right time for the club and Sterling to part ways although that is easier said than done.
Stirling was an enormous mistake , he will not part way with the club because of his astronomical wages . There is so much young hungry talent at the club waiting to be given a chance to play regular first team football. I don’t think he should be given the chance to play for the club again, perhaps by next January he will feel the need to then move on .