Raheem Sterling Eyes Shocking Chelsea Exit as Two Surprise Clubs Circle

Overlooked Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling may find an unexpected pathway away from Stamford Bridge, with sources suggesting potential moves to Bayer Leverkusen or Juventus among several available opportunities.

Sterling's 2024–25 loan spell at Arsenal saw him make just 13 starts throughout all competitions, frequently being passed over for teenage prospect Ethan Nwaneri during the campaign's latter stages.

Before that summer transfer, he had been relegated to Chelsea's 'bomb squad'—the collection of players deemed expendable by the club. Sterling had been a regular versatile starter for the Blues until the first half of 2023–24 under Mauricio Pochettino, before falling out of favor.

At just 30 years old, Sterling continues to attract attention, with BBC Sport reporting "interest" from various European clubs. Bayer Leverkusen is the only team explicitly mentioned, with the German outfit reportedly "monitoring the situation" surrounding the former England star. ESPN corroborates these reports while noting that Juventus views Sterling as a "possible acquisition".

Chelsea invested £47.5 million ($64.3 million) in Sterling during 2022, following his 339 Manchester City appearances, 131 goals, and 10 major honors. However, recovering anywhere near that sum for an aging player with just two contract years remaining appears impossible.

Leverkusen now operates under former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, after Xabi Alonso's departure to Real Madrid last month. The Dutch manager faces the challenge of maintaining competition with German powerhouse Bayern Munich, who reclaimed the Bundesliga crown that Alonso had historically delivered to Leverkusen in 2023–24.

Germany has become an attractive destination for numerous English players recently, though this usually involves emerging talents beginning their careers—such as Jude Bellingham, Jadon Sancho, and new Chelsea acquisition Jamie Gittens.