Chelsea set to make SURPRISE Raheem Sterling decision

Cameron Smith

• 18 Mar 2024 09:50 GMT
• 4 min read

Raheem Sterling will reportedly not be sold to the Saudi Pro League this summer, despite recent rumours of a move to the Middle East.

The former England international has been touted to leave Chelsea at the end of the 2023-24 season and Saudi Arabia is deemed his most likely destination.

Sterling has 15 goal contributions in 36 games so far this campaign, but his performances have been largely inconsistent and he spurned several big opportunities during Chelsea’s 4-2 FA Cup win over Leicester City on Sunday, including missing a first-half penalty.

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Barcelona have also been linked with signing Sterling, with Blaugrana boss Xavi among his biggest admirers. However, the Spain football legend is set to leave his post at Camp Nou this summer, meaning a move for Sterling is unlikely.

Despite the fact Todd Boehly recently met with Saudi Pro League director of football Michael Emenalo, The Daily Mail have reported that Sterling’s name was not brought up in conversation, with Chelsea happy with the Englishman’s current contribution.

As a result, it is reportedly unlikely that he will be sold to the Saudi Pro League this summer.

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Raheem Sterling issues Chelsea apology

After winning a first-half penalty during the victory against Leicester, Sterling stepped up to take the spot-kick instead of usual penalty taker Cole Palmer.

The ex-Manchester City man then saw his effort saved by Foxes goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk, meaning he has now missed five of his nine career penalties.

Following the match, Sterling apologised on social media. He posted on Instagram: “Wembley bound. To all the Chelsea fans, apologies for the penalty miss. I’ll be back 10x stronger to help the team win and continue to keep fighting for the badge every single day. Let’s go Blues.”

Sterling was booed by several Chelsea supporters after being taken off on Sunday, while his replacement, Noni Madueke, scored a stunning goal in stoppage time.

The 29-year-old joined Chelsea for €56.2 million from Man City in 2022 and he has just over three years left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge.