Expert reveals why Chelsea are trying so hard to terminate Raheem Sterling
Chelsea are in a race against time to get rid of Raheem Sterling in order to make a massive saving on his wages.
That is according to finance expert Dan Plumley, who told Football Insider exclusively that getting players off the wage bill was important for their ongoing compliance with UEFA’s financial regulations.
Chelsea were hit with a record-breaking fine for failing to comply with the European governing body’s financial regulations this year.
That fine also came with an agreement that the West London club would deliver a positive net transfer spend this summer, and a reduction in squad cost.
So far, the Blues have delivered, but their inability to sell high-earners who are no longer contributing on the pitch continues to be a cause for concern.
Sterling was linked with moves to Fulham and West Ham this summer, but no deal came to fruition, and the ex-Man City winger remains an outcast at Stamford Bridge.
UEFA restrictions motivate Chelsea’s desire to shift high-earners
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Plumley explained why Chelsea would be so keen to see Sterling move on this season.
He said: “That’s the biggest factor here with this one, the wage cost.
“Obviously linked to that, any amortisation that comes with that, because that’s your in-year cost, and we know that looking at UEFA’s regulations now, that’s going to be part and parcel of what we look for with the squad costs.
“It is the biggest financial benefit there to moving him on. That’s going to be what you can get off the wage bill.
“And again, we’ve seen Chelsea make moves on a bottom-line PSR basis with selling the women’s team and selling various assets to themselves to be okay against PSR.
“So you are looking at the biggest financial impact for something like that, being getting that player off the wage bill. That then creates a saving in that regard, which will ultimately be important.
“They’re one of the clubs that are looking more at UEFA’s regulations than they are Premier League PSR.”
Chelsea receive boost in Morgan Rogers pursuit
With one attacking player in Sterling likely to depart this season, be it by transfer or a terminated contract, that would likely open the door for a new player to be signed.
Chelsea wanted Morgan Rogers in the summer, but did not agree on a deal for the England international.
But with Aston Villa completely hamstrung by UEFA’s financial restrictions, the Blues could be poised to take advantage of the Midlands side’s misery.
Chelsea could make good on their interest in the talented former City man in the coming window, giving the Villains the financial boost they so desperately need.