Raheem Sterling Struggles to Revive Career at Chelsea

Once a marquee signing, the forward's move from Manchester City has not yielded the expected results.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Raheem Sterling's high-profile move from Manchester City to Chelsea in the summer of 2022 has not gone as planned. Despite the significant financial investment by Chelsea, Sterling has struggled with inconsistent form, injuries, and a broader period of underperformance for the club. As Chelsea continues to seek a return to form, Sterling remains a key but scrutinized part of the squad, facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.

Why it matters

Raheem Sterling's decline at Chelsea highlights the challenges top players can face when joining a new club, especially during a period of instability. The story raises questions about Chelsea's transfer strategy and player management, as well as Sterling's ability to regain his previous form and justify the club's substantial investment in him.

The details

Sterling was hailed as a marquee signing when he joined Chelsea for a reported £47.5 million transfer fee. However, his time at the club has been marked by inconsistent performances, injuries, and Chelsea's own struggles, including the dismissal of manager Thomas Tuchel and a 12th-place finish in the 2022-2023 Premier League season. Sterling has faced competition for playing time and has been deployed in unfamiliar positions, further hindering his impact.

  • In July 2022, Chelsea officially announced the signing of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City.
  • In November 2022, Sterling suffered a hamstring injury that disrupted his playing time.
  • In January 2023, Sterling sustained a knee injury, further contributing to his injury woes.
  • In May 2025, Mauricio Pochettino was replaced by Enzo Maresca as Chelsea's manager.
  • As of January 29, 2026, Chelsea is currently in 7th place in the Premier League standings.

The players

Raheem Sterling

An English professional footballer who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022 for a reported £47.5 million transfer fee.

Thomas Tuchel

The former manager of Chelsea who was dismissed at the start of the 2022-23 season.

Todd Boehly

The co-owner of Chelsea's parent company, Clearlake Capital, who initially acted as the club's interim sporting director.

Behdad Eghbali

The co-owner of Clearlake Capital, the private equity firm that assumed greater control of Chelsea's transfer policy.

Graham Potter

The manager who replaced Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea, but was later sacked after the club finished 12th in the Premier League.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Chelsea will continue to evaluate Raheem Sterling's future at the club, as they look to improve their performance and return to the top of the Premier League.

The takeaway

Raheem Sterling's struggles at Chelsea highlight the challenges top players can face when joining a new club, especially during a period of instability. The story raises questions about Chelsea's transfer strategy and player management, as well as Sterling's ability to regain his previous form and justify the club's substantial investment in him.