Chelsea find themselves in an unexpected situation as the transfer window nears its end. With sweeping changes under new head coach Enzo Maresca, the club have offered one of their top wingers to Aston Villa. Yet, the Midlands club are hesitant, leaving the player's future uncertain.
Maresca's vision leads to Sterling's exclusion
Raheem Sterling, a significant £47.5 million acquisition, has been sidelined from Chelsea's first team. Head coach Enzo Maresca has made it clear that Sterling does not fit into his tactical plans, suggesting that the winger will face limited playing opportunities at Stamford Bridge. This decision has led to Sterling training separately from the main squad, as Maresca prefers different types of wingers. He explained (via The Mirror),
"I'm not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer different kinds of wingers. This is the reason why."
"I spoke with Raheem, one-on-one the day before City and I explained him exactly the situation. I didn't see Raheem after the game. In this moment, they (Sterling and Ben Chilwell) are training apart. The situation with them both is quite clear."
Sterling's exclusion is part of a broader strategy by Chelsea, who are looking to sell up to 15 players. The club are keen to balance their books, especially following the recent signing of Joao Felix. With Sterling's substantial weekly wages of £300,000, Chelsea are under pressure to find a resolution before the transfer window closes on 30 August.
Villa's reluctance and financial considerations
Aston Villa, presented with the opportunity to sign Raheem Sterling, face a challenging decision. The financial burden of the deal, including Sterling's high wages, has made the club cautious. Despite discussions and Sterling's willingness to consider a pay cut, Villa seem unlikely to proceed with the transfer according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Villa's hesitation isn't just about finances; the club are also weighing the potential impact on team dynamics. Sterling's skill and experience are well-recognised, but Villa must assess how he would fit into their current squad and whether this aligns with their long-term goals.
Sterling's determination and limited options
Raheem Sterling is determined to stay in the Premier League and regain his spot in the England squad, ruling out a move to Saudi Arabia. A potential swap deal with Juventus involving Federico Chiesa was considered but didn't align with Chelsea's strategic plans.
Sterling's frustration with his current predicament was evident when he was left out of Chelsea's squad for their Premier League opener against Manchester City, despite participating in pre-season preparations.
Both Chelsea and Raheem Sterling face a pivotal moment. If a suitable transfer isn't secured by 30 August, Sterling may remain at Chelsea until at least January, despite not being in Maresca's plans.