Raheem Sterling fronts new three-man Chelsea ‘bomb squad’ as £325k-a-week star sets stance

Chelsea couldn’t find a buyer for Raheem Sterling before the summer transfer window closed on Monday, leaving the ex-Liverpool and Manchester City star to continue his exile

Raheem Sterling is fronting a new three-man ‘bomb squad’ at Chelsea, who continue to pay him £325,000 per week amid his exile. Sterling, 30, has been cast aside by Blues boss Enzo Maresca, who made it clear that he wasn’t part of his plans at Stamford Bridge more than a year ago.

The experienced forward was rescued from the cold by Arsenal, who signed him on loan for the duration of last season. After a disappointing spell, Arsenal didn’t elect to sign Sterling permanently, forcing him to go back across London, where he isn’t wanted.

His situation didn’t change over the summer; being omitted from Maresca’s squad for the Club World Cup and not featuring in their pre-season friendlies. Instead, Sterling has been training away from Chelsea’s first team in what’s become known as their ‘bomb squad’.

Most of unwanted the Blues’ unwanted stars managed to secure moves away before the summer transfer window closed on Monday. But Sterling, centre-back Axel Disasi and striker David Datro Fofana are still on the books.

Stripped of luxury, the bomb squad have their own changing room, are made to use a separate toilet and can’t eat with first-team players. But Sterling and his team-mates are being paid handsomely to put up with the isolation.

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With two years left on his £325,000-a-week contract, as per BBC Sport, the 82-time England international is due a further £30million in wages from the Blues. German side Bayer Leverkusen and Italian giants Juventus were both contacted by Stamford Bridge chiefs this summer, as were London clubs such as Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham. But nothing materialised.

The 30-year-old moved his family down to London when he joined Chelsea from Manchester City for £47.5m in 2022 and he’s reluctant to uproot them for the second time in three years. His son, Thiago, is currently in Arsenal’s academy, hoping to follow in his dad’s footsteps.

Sterling’s arrival was supposed to be a statement of intent from the club’s new ownership but he’s instead become a symbol of their scattergun approach to recruitment.

Which club should sign Raheem Sterling? Let us know your pick in the comments section.

Michael Owen recently spoke about Sterling’s situation and empathised with him. “He’s on big wages, and he didn’t quite grasp his chance at Arsenal. He’s clearly surplus to requirements at Chelsea,” Owen posted on X.

“Sadly, the only way for him now is probably down to a Crystal Palace, West Ham, that type of club. But only if he’s happy to take a big wage cut, which only he can answer.

“The big question will be the wages. Some might say, ‘Well, you’re rich enough already’ – but would you throw away £200,000-a-week to move to a lesser club, even if it means playing more?”

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