Napoli Among Clubs Interested in Signing Raheem Sterling After Chelsea Exit

The 31-year-old England international attacker is a free agent after contract termination at Stamford Bridge.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:07pm

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According to a report, several clubs are interested in signing Raheem Sterling (31) following the termination of his contract with Chelsea. The England international attacker has departed Stamford Bridge as a free agent despite having 18-months left on his previous deal. Napoli are one of the clubs interested and have already contacted Sterling's representatives regarding a potential move to Naples, though they face competition from other suitors.

Why it matters

Sterling's departure from Chelsea comes after a difficult period with the Premier League club, where he spent last season on loan at Arsenal and made it clear he wanted to move during the summer transfer window. His free agent status has now attracted interest from multiple clubs, including Italian champions Napoli, as he looks to revive his career.

The details

Despite having 18 months remaining on his Chelsea contract, the 31-year-old attacker has left the club as a free agent. Sterling endured a difficult spell at Stamford Bridge, spending last season on loan at Arsenal and pushing for a move away during the summer. With just days left in the January transfer window, the England international has now gotten his wish and is free to negotiate with interested clubs. Napoli have already made contact with Sterling's representatives about a potential move to the Serie A champions, though they face competition from other suitors for his signature.

  • Raheem Sterling's Chelsea contract was set to expire in 18 months.
  • Sterling departed Chelsea as a free agent on January 28, 2026.

The players

Raheem Sterling

A 31-year-old English international attacker who has departed Chelsea as a free agent after a difficult spell with the Premier League club.

Napoli

The Italian Serie A champions who have contacted Sterling's representatives about a potential move to Naples.

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What they’re saying

“Several clubs are interested in signing Raheem Sterling (31) following the termination of his contract with Chelsea.”

— Fabrice Hawkins

What’s next

It remains to be seen which club will ultimately sign Raheem Sterling, with Napoli facing competition from other suitors for the free agent's services.

The takeaway

Raheem Sterling's departure from Chelsea as a free agent after a difficult spell highlights the fluidity of the modern transfer market, with the 31-year-old England international now able to explore options to revive his career at a new club.