- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling has been offered to a number of Saudi Pro League sides, HITC understands.
The 29-year-old started Chelsea’s League Cup final defeat to Liverpool on Sunday at Wembley, but his future at Stamford Bridge is still in doubt.
HITC revealed earlier this year that Chelsea’s hierarchy doesn’t see Raheem Sterling as part of their long-term plans.
The England international was one of the first high-profile names brought in by Todd Boehly in 2022 when he arrived from Manchester City for £50 million.
But the versatile forward’s first season at the club resulted in a bottom-half finish in the Premier League, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side currently sitting 11th in the table.
Despite the Chelsea hierarchy not seeing a future for Raheem Sterling, the player himself is not in a hurry to depart with his bumper contract due to expire in 2027.
In the recent summer transfer window, several players left the Premier League stage for the ever-growing Saudi Pro League.
And sources have confirmed to HITC that intermediaries have spoken with clubs in Saudi Arabia about a prospective summer deal for Raheem Sterling.
Al-Hilal, who Chelsea have close relations with after the transfer of Kalidou Koulibaly, are understood to be one of those interested.
Raheem Sterling’s numbers at Chelsea
Given the indifferent nature of Chelsea’s season and how things have been so up and down for the club, Sterling’s numbers are actually quite healthy.
The Englishman has 12 goal involvements from 23 Premier League games and has only completed 90 minutes during 11 of those matches.
That’s a pretty good return for a player who hasn’t played in a settled side and someone who isn’t probably getting the regular starts he wants.
Compare that to the previous campaign, where he scored six and assisted three from 28 league games, then he is already bettering his debut campaign at Chelsea.
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