- Enzo Maresca insists Raheem Sterling is not in his plans
- Sterling was not named in Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Manchester City.
- Sterling is Chelsea’s highest-paid player
Enzo Maresca insists Raheem Sterling is not in his plans after missing Chelsea ‘s Premier League opener against Manchester City.
Maresca has admitted he cannot work with a squad of more than 40 players, so a clean sweep before the transfer window shuts is essential, and Sterling, like Ben Chilwell, is in that category.
Sterling is the club’s highest-paid player, so it’s no surprise that the Blues are keen to sort out his future, and here are five places the 29-year-old could end up at.
Crystal Palace
A move to Oliver Glasner’s team to replace Michel Olise is an interesting option.
However, the move still faces a number of obstacles, as it is difficult to imagine Palace willing to pay Sterling a hefty salary.
Meanwhile, Glasner himself just got Daichi Kamada this summer, and he was also a favorite of their time together at Eintracht Frankfurt, so fighting for a position won’t be easy.
Fenerbahce
Sterling was linked with a move to Fenerbahce long before he was omitted from Chelsea’s squad to face Manchester City.
The ยูฟ่าเบท club have splashed out big-name signings to please new manager Jose Mourinho, but a failure to qualify for the Champions League could give Sterling cause for concern.
Juventus
There have been rumours in recent weeks about a swap deal involving the two clubs, which would see Sterling join Juventus and Federico Chiesa join Chelsea.
In theory it makes sense, but in practice, with Juventus clearly struggling financially and unable to pay Sterling’s wages, it sounds difficult too.
Juventus also see Fiorentina forward Nicolas Gonzalez as a key target and a cheaper option.
Saudi Arabia
The league is certainly ready to splash the cash to bring Sterling to their ranks, with the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic reportedly earning more than £400,000 a week at Al-Hilal.
It’s a crazy sum, but previous reports have suggested Sterling has turned down a move to the Emirates.
It’s safe to say that money may not always be a priority for him, with Sterling’s top priority being the chance to play regularly in order to get back into the England team.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa have emerged as favourites to sign Sterling to bolster their attacking options after missing out on top target Joao Felix, who moved to Chelsea.
It is understood Villa have held talks with Chelsea over a possible move for Sterling.
A move to Villa could be a good decision, with Unai Emery’s side improving and the chance of Champions League football also hard to turn down.