How is Raheem Sterling causing problems for Chelsea?

There have been plenty of unpopular transfers in Blues history, and Sterling is right up there because of the money he gets paid for not even playing. With Chelsea having to consider financial constraints in terms of fair play, Sterling makes it harder for them to sign the big players they desperately need to progress.

Big contract means Chelsea cannot convince other attackers

One of the main reasons why Chelsea are not challenging for the title this season is the lack of serious firepower in the attacking positions. The Blues will look enviously at teams like Arsenal, who spent more than £130 million on Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze in the summer.

Halfway through, the Gunners are in the lead and are favorites to win in most matches. Indeed, the Bet on Everton and Arsenalfor example, is heavily split in favor of Mikel Arteta’s men. According to online football betting, Arsenal can be backed at 1/5 to win the Premier League this season. While Gyökeres and Eze have not been the key to their success, these additions have increased the depth in the squad and provided more options.

Enzo Maresca was unable to bring in all the proven players he wanted to go for this summer and had to work with a young squad. Ultimately, after half the season had been played, it was clear that these players did not have enough to mount a title challenge.

This resulted in Maresca’s dismissal, but Sterling could have been part of the problem. The 31-year-old is the highest-paid player on Chelsea’s books, earning as much as £325,000 a week. If the Blues can get this out of their wage bill, it would free up a lot of money to pay for other new signings while ensuring they operate within financial fair play rules.

Sterling’s glory days are long behind him

When Chelsea signed Sterling, there were questions about whether it was a good deal or not. The speedy winger had fallen out of favor with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, suggesting the Spaniard believed he was on his way back. Despite an unceremoniously ended career with the Citizens, Sterling scored 91 goals in 225 league games and won the title four times.

Tuchel believed Sterling was exactly what he needed for his system at Chelsea, which relied on quick wingers looking to get behind the defence. He started well, but unfortunately for the player, the German tactician was sacked early in the season and replaced by Graham Potter. Potter’s tactics were different and Sterling never clicked with the England manager.

At Stamford Bridge, Sterling played 59 league games with 14 goals, but never found his feet. Last season he was loaned out to Arsenal, where he made just 17 appearances and scored no goals. The player is allegedly making things difficult also for the club, stating that he only wants to leave on a permanent contract and does not want another loan spell.

It’s a shame that Sterling’s career has reached this point as he was once one of the country’s hottest talents. He was a regular in England, making 82 appearances for the Three Lions. Now, however, he is a thorn in Chelsea’s side and a hugely expensive player to have on the sidelines.