If Raheem Sterling leaves Chelsea, both MLS and Saudi Arabia could be an option

Reports suggest that Raheem Sterling’s future may lie away from Premier League club Chelsea, with MLS and Saudi Arabia said to be ready to tempt the winger into a move.

The English forward, who began his career at Queens Park Rangers, has played for Chelsea since 2022 after a move from Manchester City for around $50 million. However, his time in London has not gone as hoped; a mixture of wobbly circumstances at the club have surrounded Stamford Bridge since he arrived, and he himself has suffered on the pitch.

MLS has embarked on a process of development over recent years: the arrival of Lionel Messi to the league, as well as his world-class Inter Miami teaMMAtes, seem to have opened the door for many others to follow. The same goes for Saudi Arabia, a country that has spent big on many players, with the Premier League a particular favourite hunting ground.

Talks have taken place between Chelsea and the Saudi Pro League

Journalist Graeme Bailey reported that Chelsea’s owners are “determined to move him on” and “talks have taken place between Chelsea and the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal one of those interested”. The London club sold both Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy to the Middle East last summer.

However, the report also suggests that the SPL does not appeal to Sterling, who has a contract with Chelsea until 2027.

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Could Raheem Sterling go to MLS?

It seems that MLS, however, is not the same for Sterling. Back in 2019, the winger, who was booed by some of the Chelsea crowd last Sunday after he was taken off during their 4-2 win over Leicester in the FA Cup, said that “English Football has grown massively over [in the US]. It wasn’t like that in the past, and it’ll continue to get bigger.”

“I was surprised even just popping out to the shops and being recognised by one or two people. I didn’t expect that over here. This is a country I would, one day, love to be able to come to. Your weather is a lot better than ours. Hopefully one day I can have my family over here.

“For sure, it [MLS] is growing in the UK, and people are really taking it in and want to come over. Hopefully I will have a career here as well.”