Real reason Chelsea are forcing Raheem Sterling out

The decision by Chelsea to cut ties with Raheem Sterling is raising eyebrows, with the West London side handing out the former Liverpool player’s shirt to new signing; Pedro Neto despite Sterling still at the club.

The reasoning behind the Blues’ ruthless streak against Raheem Sterling however might be hidden in his lucrative contract. The winger’s exclusion from Enzo Maresca’s first squad and demotion to training with fringe players has fueled speculation. Despite being a marquee signing, Sterling is now surplus to requirements—a fall from grace that could be tied to a key detail in his deal.

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Sterling reportedly lacks a wage reduction clause if Chelsea miss out on the Champions League, unlike other players. With Chelsea out of Europe’s top competition since 2022/23, the club might be looking to offload his hefty £300,000-a-week salary. This financial strain, coupled with his desire to remain in England, adds a new layer to the story.

Aston Villa, eyeing a replacement for Moussa Diaby, has emerged as a shock contender for Sterling’s signature. But the question remains: Is Chelsea’s move purely financial, or is it part of a broader strategy under their new regime?