There’s an understanding that a financial whizz isn’t required to comprehend the tough predicament Chelsea finds itself in, with less than two weeks until the transfer window closes. With the current market downturn and strict Premier League regulations on profits and sustainability, it seems unlikely that Enzo Maresca, the new coach, will be able to negotiate a deal for Raheem Sterling who still has a lucrative £325,000-per-week contract for another three years.
Despite citing it as a ‘technical decision’, Maresca did not include Sterling in the 2-0 loss against Manchester City, leading some to suspect that this might simply be another effort to reduce costs. The inconsistency in decision to select the greenhorn forward Marc Guiu or unpredictable player, Mykhailo Mudryk, instead of highly experienced Sterling raises questions.
Sterling, who was dubbed an ‘important player’ recently by the coach and even featured in the promotional graphics unveiling the new sleeve sponsor, is now seeking clarity on his role in the club. However, it’s acknowledged that his performance has been less than impressive since leaving City on a £47.5m transfer two years ago; a fact reflected in his exit from the England squad and the dwindling highlights at Chelsea, barring decisive contributions last season which qualified the team for Europe.
In the light of these developments, it seems Chelsea is ready to bid farewell to Raheem Sterling.
It’s important to remember that revenues from the sale of homegrown players are recorded as pure profit in the financial records. Sterling is currently finding his place within the team challenging. His time at the club began during a period of new ownership that heavily concentrated on acquiring proven talents. However, the focus has changed. Chelsea have made cost-cutting efforts and are turning their attention to offering long, reward-based agreements to younger players, and harbour confidence in their compliance with PSR regulations. An exceptional team is on the brink of formation, as long as stability can be ensured both on and off the field.
One critical problem lies in the recurring uncertainty concerning team dynamics. The questions around Sterling’s future are perpetual – Will he stay or leave? Who can afford him? Sterling and his young family have built their life in London, and moving to Saudi Arabia doesn’t appeal to him. A connection with Juventus has been mentioned, but a large number of Europe’s venerable clubs are not exactly overflowing with funds. It may eventually hinge on Chelsea’s capacity to creatively manage Sterling’s salary.
However, Sterling is merely one piece of the puzzle for Maresca. The Italian manager is wrestling with an overloaded squad and has asserted the need for player sales. Space within the locker room is at a premium. Sterling has the premonition that he might not feature for Chelsea again, while Maresca has a host of other players at his disposal, such as Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, Mudryk, and Christopher Nkunku. João Félix is also expected to arrive from Atlético Madrid in the coming week.
Contrarily, Conor Gallagher is heading out as a part of the deal involving Félix. According to those close to the club, the situation is chaotic. Sterling is not the only one feeling unsettled. Gallagher, a product of the academy who excelled under Pochettino last season, has unexpectedly been left out. It’s been suggested that he doesn’t possess the technical skillset that Maresca requires. Regardless, the significant fact is the profit made from the sale of homegrown talents, like Gallagher, reflected in the financial records.
Hence, Gallagher has been sidelined from Chelsea’s primary team drills along with Trevoh Chalobah, a standout performer in their defence line in the previous season. Undeniably, the outcast pool is expanding with Armando Broja awaiting potential buyers and Ben Chilwell, last year’s vice-captain, informed that he doesn’t fit into Maresca’s future plot. Negotiations are ongoing between Napoli and Romelu Lukaku, and Kepa Arrizabalaga continues to be associated with Chelsea. Loan agreements have been made for Lesley Ugochukwu and Andrey Santos, but future prospects for recent acquisitions like Deivid Washington, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Cesare Casadei, and Djordje Petrovic remain uncertain.
Sterling’s performance hasn’t matched the anticipations, given his enormous £47.5m transfer from City two years back. One insider describes the current mood as explosive, citing claims of favored treatment for select signings demoralising fringe members. Star players rise and fall. Chukwuemeka, who moved from Aston Villa two years prior, had initially shown promise under Pochettino until a knee injury marked his previous season. Despite his potential and fitness, his absence from pre-season games and the match against City along with Maresca’s hinting at his departure, raise concerns.
The situation seems overly harsh, making players anxious about their place in the team, particularly young academy talent. The only constant here seems to be Chelsea’s self-inflicted challenges. It’s worth mentioning that Sterling wasn’t the one to agree to his £325,000 per week earnings, rather it was the management. Broja, Chalobah, and Chilwell all received renewed contracts under the present owners. They are within their rights to wait for the right offer, and if it doesn’t come, to stay put, even if this leaves Chelsea with a discontented roster and a tumultuous locker room scenario once the transfer window closes.