Raheem Sterling left Chelsea Football Club after the parties reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contract. The announcement came on January 28, 2026. Chelsea confirmed that Sterling departed the club, which ended three-and-a-half seasons of his time as a player. Chelsea signed Raheem Sterling from Manchester City in the summer of 2022. The club paid a significant transfer fee for the England international winger.
Sterling joined with high expectations due to his proven track record in the Premier League. He contributed goals and assists during his first seasons. Sterling helped the team in various competitions. Fans appreciated his pace and skill on the flanks initially.
Sterling’s involvement decreased over time. The club made managerial changes, and new coaches implemented different tactics. Sterling found himself out of favor under the current regime.
He trained separately from the main squad for much of the recent period. His last appearance for Chelsea occurred in May 2024. After that, he remained sidelined for over 600 days.
Both Chelsea and Sterling agreed to end the contract early. Sterling had 18 months remaining on his deal, which reportedly included a weekly wage of £325,000. The termination allowed him to become a free agent immediately.
Chelsea avoided further payments under the original terms. The club issued a short statement that acknowledged his departure and thanked him for his service.
