Sterling in Talks with Napoli After Chelsea Exit

Raheem Sterling, the England winger, is holding talks with Napoli after his contract with Chelsea ended by mutual consent last week. The 31-year-old wants to restart his career abroad, and Napoli stands out as a main option right now.

Background

Sterling joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022. He had a good start but things went downhill over time. Last season, he went on loan to Arsenal. When he came back in 2025, the new coach did not want him in the main team. He trained apart from the others for months. Chelsea let him go without a fee because both sides agreed it was best. His old deal paid him £325,000 each week and had 18 months left. The exact money details from the split stay private, but it saves Chelsea cash and lets Sterling find a new team fast.

Sterling played 81 times for England. He won big trophies with Manchester City, including Premier League titles. At City, he built a close friendship with Kevin De Bruyne. That link now plays a part in his next step. De Bruyne, who plays for Napoli, wants his old teammate there. Sterling once said he wanted to stay near London for his kids' school. But now he is open to a full move overseas since it is permanent.

Napoli tried to get Sterling on loan last summer. It did not work out because of money issues. Sterling's pay demands were too high then. Now, as a free player, he says he will take less money to play regular games again. He has not started many matches lately, so he needs time to get fit.

Key Details

Talks between Sterling and Napoli started this week. The club sees him as a way to boost their attack. Antonio Conte manages Napoli, and they have other ex-Premier League players doing well. Sterling could fit right in.

Napoli's View on the Deal

Napoli's sporting director, Giovanni Manna, spoke about Sterling before a Champions League game against Chelsea. He said talks happened in summer but money made it hard.

"Raheem is very good, but he hasn't been playing for a long time. We spoke with him during the summer but I see it as difficult right now, he has significant financial expectations." – Giovanni Manna

Manna pointed out Sterling's lack of recent games. Still, with lower pay terms now on the table, things might change. Napoli wants players who can help in Europe right away.

Sterling posted on Instagram after leaving Chelsea. His words show he looks ahead.

"All eyes on the future. God is great."

• Raheem Sterling

His team thinks his skills and no transfer fee make him good for top clubs. But matching his pay is the big hurdle.

Other Transfer News

In other moves, Tottenham's Cristian Romero draws eyes from big Spanish clubs. Barcelona and Real Madrid like the 27-year-old Argentina defender. Atlético Madrid also shows interest. Romero feels upset with Tottenham's plans. He wants a team that fights deep in the Champions League. He called Spurs' squad thin "unbelievable but true and disgraceful" on social media.

Juventus looks at free agents too. They eye Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi for defense. In attack, they might go for Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta or bring back Randal Kolo Muani from his Tottenham loan.

What This Means

For Sterling, a Napoli move means regular play in Serie A and Champions League. It could get him back in England's team if he scores goals. At 31, he still has years left if he stays fit. Reuniting with De Bruyne adds passing threat to Napoli's wings. Conte's teams press hard, so Sterling's speed fits.

Chelsea clears wage space. They focus on younger players now. The split ends a tough time for both.

Tottenham faces pressure if Romero leaves. He is key in defense. Losing him mid-season hurts, but Spanish giants offer big money and trophies.

Napoli aims high this year. They lead Serie A and want Europe success. Sterling adds experience without big cost. If the deal works, it shows smart business in tough money times.

Sterling's choice sets his path. Stay in England for comfort or go abroad for wins? Talks with Napoli move fast. Other clubs watch close. His next club decides if he revives or fades.

Juventus plans mix free deals and buys. They skip Victor Osimhen for cheaper picks. This keeps them competitive without breaking bank.

The window stays open for free agents. More moves come soon. Sterling leads the news as teams shape squads for the run-in.