HITC reports that Chelsea might consider selling Raheem Sterling during the upcoming summer transfer window, following reports of the attacker being presented to Saudi clubs. Among potential suitors, Al-Hilal could express interest in acquiring the 29-year-old Chelsea player, who has struggled to meet expectations and may not feature prominently in the club’s future plans.
It’s been reported that Raheem Sterling, a notable signing during Chelsea’s ownership under Todd Boehly, faced challenges in his debut season at the club, delivering only six league goals amid the team’s disappointing performance.
Despite a slight improvement in his goal-scoring record this season, Chelsea seems unwilling to include Sterling in their long-term plans. As a result, there have been suggestions that he was presented to Saudi clubs, with Al-Hilal being among those potentially interested.
Al-Hilal’s previous dealings with Chelsea, notably the acquisition of Kalidou Koulibaly last summer, suggest a possible avenue for negotiations. However, the task of offloading Sterling to the Middle Eastern League could prove difficult, given his status as a high-profile player. Additionally, Sterling’s existing contract with Chelsea, set to run until 2027, may deter him from seeking an exit.
Chelsea find themselves in a challenging financial situation following significant spending across the past four transfer windows. Despite a quiet January transfer period, save for a few loan exits, the club’s expenditure has surpassed a billion pounds since Todd Boehly assumed ownership. With this hefty outlay, Chelsea may need to generate revenue through player sales to restore balance to their finances, potentially leading to the departure of some high-profile names from Stamford Bridge.
In this context, Raheem Sterling could represent a valuable asset for Chelsea, particularly if they manage to secure a transfer to Saudi Arabia for the 29-year-old winger. While realizing a substantial transfer fee within the English or European market appears daunting for the Blues, successfully negotiating Sterling’s move to Saudi clubs poses a significant challenge for all parties involved.