Raheem Sterling is reportedly not considering a move to the few countries where the transfer window remains open, despite interest from some Turkish and Saudi PRO League clubs.
Besiktas have been rumoured to be interested in signing Sterling, with the Turkish Süper Lig side keen to unite the winger with fellow Englishmen Tammy Abraham in Istanbul.
The former England international was also linked with a move to Bayer Leverkusen during the summer transfer window, but a serious offer never materialised. A source told Softfootball that Sterling, who has two years left on a £325k-a-week deal, expressed his preference was to remain in London.
Sterling, who was infamously a part of the club’s “bomb squad” of unwanted players has been training away from the first team. The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at Arsenal, where he made 28 appearances across all competitions.
According to Fabrizio Romano via his YouTube page, clubs in Turkey have contacted the England international, but Sterling has no intention of leaving Chelsea at this stage. The winger has been informed he is out of the club’s plans and will not feature in first-team matches or training sessions.
For now, Sterling is content to remain at Cobham, using the training facilities away from the squad, and will reassess his future ahead of the January transfer window.
Having failed to secure a summer move, the winger is unwilling to move to Turkey or Saudi Arabia despite those windows staying open. Chelsea could look to terminate his contract to bring the situation to a close, but such a move would be extremely costly.
The forward who has two years left on his contract, remains part of Chelsea’s so-called ‘bomb squad’ alongside Axel Disasi and David Datro Fofana, all of whom are out of Enzo Maresca’s plans.
Could Sterling still move to one of the leagues that have transfer windows still open? Well, it doesn’t look too likely at the moment, but ultimately the former Manchester City winger will decide his future in coming days.
