Raheem Sterling might be on the verge of leaving Chelsea, with rumors suggesting a potential swap deal involving Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho before the transfer window closes next week.
Sterling’s stint at Chelsea has been challenging, and he could finally fulfill his long-time desire to join Manchester United. The England international is currently training separately from Chelsea’s main squad under Enzo Maresca, with an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge. Despite Aston Villa’s interest, there has been little traction for Sterling’s move. A swap deal with Sancho, who has struggled under Erik ten Hag at United, could change this situation.
Chelsea appears intrigued by the idea, fueling speculation of an unexpected player exchange. Sterling, now 29, has been unexpectedly sidelined, particularly considering Sancho’s troubled relationship with Ten Hag last season. Despite currently being with Chelsea, Sterling has expressed admiration for Manchester United.
In a 2019 interview with The Mirror, Sterling admitted, “I shouldn’t really say this—especially not now—but when I was younger, I was a huge United fan. I even had an old United kit from when they last won the FA Cup. I was at the final in 2007.”
With numerous new signings at Chelsea, Sterling has found himself competing with players like Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, and Christopher Nkunku. The addition of Pedro Neto and Joao Felix has only heightened this competition.
Sterling likely desires a more prominent role at a new club, making a swap with Sancho an attractive option. This move could allow Sterling to join the team he supported as a child while reducing competition at Chelsea with Sancho’s departure.
Sterling’s chances of starting at Manchester United could improve if the club opts to part ways with Antony, who has had a disappointing tenure in the Premier League. Although Ten Hag was keen to reunite with Antony from Ajax in 2022, Antony’s subpar performance with 11 goals and five assists in 82 appearances has diminished his value.
There are rumors that Antony might be loaned out this summer, but securing a club willing to cover a significant portion of his £200,000 weekly salary may be challenging. Sancho, who was loaned to Borussia Dortmund last winter, is more likely to be transferred this summer. If Sterling joins United and Antony departs, United would still have a strong group of wingers, including Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Amad Diallo.
Amid the transfer speculation, Antony’s agent has reiterated the Brazilian’s commitment to Manchester United, stating: “I’ve seen reports about a potential loan move. Antony’s plan is clear: he wants to stay at Manchester United. We’ve already discussed this with the club.”
Adding to the speculation, Sancho has previously expressed his childhood admiration for Chelsea. In a 2021 interview with talkSPORT, he mentioned, “I’d probably say Frank Lampard. I was a Chelsea fan growing up, I can’t lie. Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard were my favorite players at the time.”
