Raheem Sterling is still looking for a new club after his Chelsea contract was ended by mutual consent last month, but talks have begun with a side competing in the Champions League.
Sterling joined the Blues from Manchester City in 2022, making the switch after several successful seasons under Pep Guardiola. The fee was just under £50 million, and there were high expectations that he would make an immediate impact at Stamford Bridge.
But it never really clicked for him at Chelsea. Things only got worse when Enzo Maresca took charge in 2024. The Italian manager made it clear that Sterling didn't fit into his plans or style of play.
After spending last season on loan at Arsenal , Sterling found himself left out of Chelsea's Premier League squad altogether this year. He's now gone 18 months before his contract was due to expire and is still without a club.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Sterling is just one of several players who have been moved on by Chelsea over the years. Kevin De Bruyne's departure in 2015 is another example, as the Belgian midfielder later became one of the world's top players.
De Bruyne eventually made his way to Manchester City, where he established himself as a generational talent. Now at Napoli, he remains a valuable part of Antonio Conte's squad despite currently being sidelined through injury. According to The Sun, he is now playing an active role in Napoli's efforts to bring Sterling in.
There were already links between Sterling and Napoli before his January release, and it appears that those discussions have gained traction once again. Reports suggest that De Bruyne is involved in convincing the forward to join the club.
Even though Sterling isn't tied to any club right now, there's still a bit of a rush if he wants to be part of the current Champions League season. He needs to sign by midnight on Thursday, when UEFA squads are finalised.
There is less urgency in Napoli's case, as they're already out of this year's tournament. The Italian side were knocked out after losing 3-2 to Chelsea in December, and can't return until next season at the earliest.
If Union Berlin or another club offer him a contract before the deadline, Sterling will have an immediate decision to make.
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