Raheem Sterling looks increasingly likely to seal a surprise exit from Chelsea before the January transfer window closes in early February.
The veteran winger has been frozen out at Stamford Bridge since Enzo Maresca took charge in the summer of 2024, becoming part of the so-called “bomb squad,” and his situation has shown little improvement following the arrival of new head coach Liam Rosenior.
Although Rosenior has spoken about holding discussions with Sterling regarding his future, the 31-year-old has yet to feature in a single matchday squad since the manager officially began work on January 7, underlining how far he remains from first-team plans.
Sterling has not played a single minute of Premier League football for Chelsea this season, and speculation over his next destination has intensified as the deadline approaches.
Former Everton and Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Fulham appears the most plausible option if Sterling chooses to stay in England beyond February 2. Leeds United, Newcastle United, and West Ham have also been mentioned, but none of those links currently seem close to becoming concrete.
Fulham are still viewed as the leading domestic contenders, although bookmakers have recently drifted their odds to 13/8, hinting at growing uncertainty around the move.
More intriguingly, Napoli have emerged as serious suitors, with the Serie A giants maintaining strong interest in the Chelsea outcast. Antonio Conte’s side are believed to be stepping up their pursuit, with betting odds for a deal shortening sharply to 5/1, suggesting increased confidence in securing his signature.
Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson has questioned whether there is genuine demand for Sterling, noting that despite the window being open for weeks, no firm offers have yet materialised.
While Premier League interest may be limited, Napoli could offer Sterling the ideal escape — and one he may actively welcome. In a 2019 interview with GQ, Sterling revealed that playing abroad had long been a personal ambition.
Having already won nearly every major domestic honour during his successful spell at Manchester City, the chance to embark on a new challenge overseas at this stage of his career may prove difficult for the winger to turn down.
