HITC understands that Major League Soccer have an interest in bringing in Raheem Sterling, if he does leave Chelsea this summer.
Sterling’s current contract runs to 2027, but as HITC revealed earlier this year – Chelsea’s hierarchy have already decided that he is not part of their long-term future.
The 29-year-old England international, was jeered by some sections of the Chelsea fanbase on Sunday after he was substituted during their 4-2 win over Leicester in the FA Cup.
Sterling was one of the first big name and money signings of the new Chelsea era in the summer of 2022 when Todd Boehly and BlueCo took charge of the club from Roman Abramovich.
Chelsea paid Manchester City nearly £50million for Sterling, but this season has not gone well for him and HITC understands that The Blues’ top-brass are determined to move him this summer.
Saudi interest
HITC also revealed that talks have taken place between Chelsea and the Saudi Pro League about a possible deal for Sterling this summer with Al-Hilal one of those interested. Chelsea have a strong relationship with the Pro League having sold Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy to the Middle Eastern league last summer.
However, Sterling and his camp are insisting that they have little to no interest in a move to the Pro League, although a switch to MLS may indeed appeal – something that he has previously confirmed.
Sterling told the Wall Street Journal conference of his ambition in 2019: “English football has grown massively over here. 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.”
MLS options
Despite the fact the MLS season has just begun, there would in theory be options for Sterling – should they want to land him. Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami went through last July, for instance.
To sign Sterling, a club would have to sign him as a ‘Designated Player’ – allowing them to sign a big name player without breaking their salary cap – a rule first brought in to allow LA Galaxy to sign David Beckham.
As it stands a number of MLS sides do have ‘DP’ slots including big name destinations such Los Angeles Football Club and the New York RedBulls.
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