Raheem Sterling nears Chelsea exit as club clinch swap deal transfer for £36m

Chelsea are set to complete a £36m signing having agreed a fee for an attacking star whose arrival could pave the way for England man Raheem Sterling to leave Stamford Bridge

Posted Tuesday, August 20, 2024 by Dailystar.co.uk

Chelsea have reportedly struck a deal with Atletico Madrid to bring Joao Felix back to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are believed to be shelling out around £36million for the Portuguese international, who had a forgettable stint on loan at the club during the 2022-23 season, when he scored four goals in 20 appearances.

The former Benfica forward, 24, who spent last season on loan at Barcelona after falling out with Atleti boss Diego Simeone, has agreed personal terms and is set to sign a six-year contract, with an option for a seventh year, as initially reported by The Athletic.

According to the Mirror, his move could pave the way for England midfielder Conor Gallagher, 24, to finally make his switch to the Spanish capital, having already agreed terms. And it raises further doubts over Raheem Sterling's future at the club.

England winger Sterling was left out of Enzo Maresca's squad for the opening Premier League game of the season on Sunday, which saw Chelsea lose 2-0 to reigning champions Manchester City. The 29-year-old then released a controversial statement.

Sterling's team said: "He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with. He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.

"As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation. Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively."

Sterling's statement was slammed by pundits including Sky Sports man Jamie Carragher. Writing on X, he said: "Massive fan of Raheem as a player and a lad. Not a fan of the Chelsea set up with owners etc... But this statement is ridiculous!

"As a camp! We look forward to gaining clarity! ! No need for a statement, especially an hour before kick off! ! Just play better."

Chelsea had initially hoped to sign Atletico striker Samu Omorodion, but pulled out of a £38m deal. That left Gallagher in limbo - having already travelled to Spain and taken pictures at the Metropolitano Stadium - with Atleti unwilling to push through his deal without selling a player to Chelsea in return.

That saw Felix put on the table, despite the uninspiring nature of his previous short stint at the club.