Raheem Sterling accepts his time at Chelsea is over as he waits for offers to revitalise his career ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.
Sterling does not expect to be involved for the Blues going forward following a conversation with new head coach Enzo Maresca after training on Friday, in which he was told the club is prioritising other players in his position and he could move on.
Sterling has been omitted from the squad for Chelsea’s Europa Conference League play-off first leg with Servette on Thursday night, having been left out of the Premier League curtain-raiser against Manchester City.
Before the 2-0 defeat by City at Stamford Bridge, Sterling’s camp asked the club for “clarity” over his future.
Sterling is open to listening to proposals from other clubs before next Friday’s transfer deadline but will not be forced into an unfavourable transfer, with his young family settled in west London since a £50million move from City in 2022.
The 29-year-old, who has three years remaining on his £300,000-a-week contract, has already rebuffed interest from the Saudi Pro League and it is hard to see an obvious destination for him elsewhere in the Premier League.
Maresca said after the City game that he “wants” Sterling at Chelsea, but acknowledged “there is not enough space” for all the players in his squad.
Defenders Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo were also not included on Chelsea’s A-list submitted to UEFA for Thursday’s match at Stamford Bridge, with the second leg in Switzerland next week.
Chilwell has also been told he can move this summer, as Chelsea aim to drastically trim a squad of 43 players before the end of the month.
Conor Gallagher trained with new club Atletico Madrid on Wednesday for the first time after completing a £33million transfer from his boyhood club, with Chelsea thanking the 24-year-old England midfielder on social media with a tribute video and message reading “You will forever be a blue.”
In an emotional message to Chelsea fans on social media, Gallagher said: “To everyone at Chelsea, thank you for making my dreams come true.
“It’s been an absolute honour every time I put on the shirt, and it was a dream come true to captain the team on many occasions. I loved every moment.
“These memories will last forever. I appreciate all the love and support from the fans. Hearing the chant of my name at the Bridge is a special feeling, and the banner you displayed meant the world to me. Thank you for everything. I wish the club all the best for the future, and I hope to see you all soon at Stamford Bridge.”
Atletico’s Joao Felix is set to move the other way and re-sign for Chelsea in a deal worth £44m.
