Raheem Sterling has ‘two problems’ stopping him completing move after deal terminated
Raheem Sterling is struggling to find any club willing to take him on for the second half of the season given his lofty wage demands and lack of playing time.
Chelsea have terminated Sterling’s contract, removing his lofty £350,000 weekly wages from their bill and allowing him to seek a new club outside of the window.
However, the winger has not made a senior appearance since the final day of last season, when he started as Arsenal beat relegated Southampton 2-1 at St Mary’s.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Sterling is struggling to find a club as it may take him weeks to get up to speed.
This comes after ex-Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Premier League clubs are unlikely to sign Sterling, who is assessing options in Europe.
Raheem Sterling struggling to find his next club
Football Insider revealed on 30 January that West Ham, Fulham and Crystal Palace were interested in Sterling but have opted against making a move.
Instead, the winger could now be set to make a move to long-term admirers Napoli, but will need to compromise on his wage demands to get the deal over the line.
“Sterling is going to have a problem finding a new club,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He hasn’t played since the end of last season, and even during his time at Arsenal he was rarely on the pitch to maintain any serious match fitness.
“Now he’s had his contract terminated at Chelsea because they want to get his wages off the bill.
“They’re giving him away for free after paying £350,000 per week for him, so that’s why they made that decision, but there aren’t that many interested clubs.
“He’s not going to be at a level of fitness where he can step straight in and make a difference and there are concerns about his ability after his time at Arsenal.
“That’s why it would surprise me if a Premier League side wanted him, and if he’s still asking for such high wages then that will put clubs off too.
“He has to prove he’s sharp and fit enough to play regularly if he wants to secure a move, and he’s going to have to budge on those wages too.”
Chelsea slammed over treatment of players after January deal
Chelsea’s treatment of Sterling during his time at the club was widely criticised after he was banished from the first-team squad and made to train alone.
Now, they have been slammed over their treatment of Aaron Anselmino, who was left in tears after being recalled from his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund.
Reports have suggested the defender was unhappy about the decision, although he would be happy to play for Chelsea, before he was then moved to Strasbourg.
Brown told Football Insider on 3 January that Chelsea’s treatment of players is “disgraceful” and suggested the PFA could step in as a result.
BlueCo’s treatment of players as commodities rather than human beings has raised red flags, while the constant moves between Chelsea and Strasbourg remains a concern.
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