Raheem Sterling has been abruptly removed from the Chelsea squad and now faces a race against time, with just four days left to secure a move to a new club.
Despite Sterling’s apparent willingness to join Manchester United, the club is hesitant to make a move for the 30-year-old Chelsea outcast. Sterling, who was seen in the Old Trafford tunnel last year, would consider a switch to United if his potential transfer to Juventus, involving a swap deal with Jadon Sancho, falls through.
This possible swap deal between Sancho and Sterling has been floated, as United are keen to offload Sancho, while Sterling, who was recently stripped of his iconic number seven shirt at Chelsea, seeks clarity on his future. However, United are mindful of their financial constraints under the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules. With Sancho earning around £250,000 a week and Sterling on a staggering £325,000 at Chelsea, bringing in Sterling could worsen United’s financial position.
United have emphasized that any new deals must align with their financial goals for next year. With a wealth of options on both wings, including Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount, United are cautious about adding another high-earner like Sterling.
Chelsea, eager to offload Sterling after he was omitted from their opening game of the season against Manchester City, have relegated him to training away from the first team. His representatives released a statement before kick-off, seeking “clarity” on his role within the squad.
Sterling, who grew up as a Manchester United supporter, has a surprising record of never having scored against them in 26 appearances for Liverpool, City, and Chelsea combined.
Meanwhile, United have no intentions of pursuing Chelsea’s other outcast, Ben Chilwell, despite their current shortage of senior left-backs. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are both sidelined with injuries, but United have managed by deploying right-back Diogo Dalot on the left and could use new signing Noussair Mazraoui in that position if needed.
Shaw is anticipated to return from a calf injury next month, and Erik ten Hag has suggested that Malacia could be back from his 15-month knee injury absence by October. United also promoted 17-year-old left-back Harry Amass to the first team following his impressive pre-season performances.
United had earlier explored a potential loan deal for Chelsea’s left-back Marc Cucurella after Shaw’s hamstring injury two games into the season, but no move materialized.
