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Raheem Sterling is leading a new three-man 'bomb squad' at Chelsea, who continue to shell out £325,000 ($439K) per week despite his ostracisation.
Sterling, 30, has been sidelined by Blues manager Enzo Maresca, who made it clear over a year ago that he didn't see a place for him in his plans at Stamford Bridge. The seasoned forward was thrown a lifeline by Arsenal, who took him on loan for the entirety of last season. However, after an underwhelming stint, Arsenal chose not to make Sterling's move permanent, forcing him to return to a club where he isn't wanted across London.
His circumstances remained unchanged over the summer; left out of Maresca's squad for the Club World Cup and absent from their pre-season friendlies. Instead, Sterling has been training separately from Chelsea's first team in what's been dubbed their 'bomb squad'.
Most of the Blues' surplus stars managed to secure transfers before the summer window slammed shut on Monday. But Sterling, center-back Axel Disasi and striker David Datro Fofana are still on the roster.
Deprived of privileges, the bomb squad have their own changing room, are required to use a separate loo and can't dine with first-team players. Yet, Sterling and his colleagues are being paid handsomely to endure the isolation.
With two years remaining on his £325,000 ($439K)-a-week contract, as per BBC Sport, the 82-time England international is owed a further £30 million ($40.5M) in wages from the Blues. German outfit Bayer Leverkusen and Italian heavyweights Juventus were both approached by Stamford Bridge officials this summer, alongside London outfits including Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham.
However, nothing came to fruition. The 30-year-old relocated his family to London upon joining Chelsea from Manchester City for £47.5M ($64.1M) in 2022, and he's hesitant to uproot them for the second time in three years. His son, Thiago, is presently in Arsenal's academy, aspiring to follow in his father's footsteps.
Sterling's arrival was meant to signal ambition from the club's new ownership but he's instead become emblematic of their haphazard recruitment strategy.
Michael Owen recently discussed Sterling's predicament and sympathised with him. "He's on big wages, and he didn't quite grasp his chance at Arsenal. He's clearly surplus to requirements at Chelsea," Owen posted on X.
"Sadly, the only way for him now is probably down to a Crystal Palace, West Ham, that type of club. But only if he's happy to take a big wage cut, which only he can answer.
"The big question will be the wages. Some might say, 'Well, you're rich enough already' - but would you throw away £200,000 ($270K)-a-week to move to a lesser club, even if it means playing more?"
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