Chelsea have reportedly drawn up a clear plan for Raheem Sterling, whose time at the club appears to be nearing its end. The England international has been training away from the first-team setup, placed in a separate group alongside Axel Disasi, after head coach Enzo Maresca decided that neither player was part of his long-term plans. Maresca has already communicated that both men are considered surplus to requirements, effectively closing the door on any chance of them returning to his immediate plans. This treatment has triggered debates among fans and pundits, with some questioning the fairness of the decision and others defending the manager’s tough stance.
Sterling, in particular, has become the focal point of this situation. Chelsea are actively preparing to move him on during the January transfer window, recognizing that his current circumstances are no longer sustainable. The winger’s exclusion has drawn comparisons to what many describe as the “bomb squad” approach—a practice in which unwanted players are separated from the main squad, thereby sending a clear message that their future lies elsewhere. This method has been used at Chelsea in previous years, and Sterling’s case seems to be the latest example.
Axel Disasi, meanwhile, has also found himself in a similar position. However, unlike Sterling, the French defender has had opportunities to leave Stamford Bridge but decided against them. Reports suggest that both West Ham United and Crystal Palace showed concrete interest in signing him, yet he rejected those offers, reportedly because he wants to be selective about where his next step will be. For now, his refusal to accept those moves has left him in limbo, with his long-term future also uncertain.
For Sterling, there were tentative approaches from several Premier League clubs during the summer, including Fulham, West Ham, and Palace. Yet, none of those discussions materialized into a completed transfer. Fulham, for instance, ended up pursuing other options, with reports indicating that they came close to signing Chelsea youngster Tyrique George instead. The collapse of those deals means Sterling has been left in an awkward position, but insiders believe that by January, he will finally make a move, knowing that continuing under his current circumstances is impossible.
This strategy of isolating players from the main squad is not unique to Chelsea. The club has a history of using such measures, with past examples including Ben Chilwell and others. It is also a tactic employed by several top clubs across Europe, including Manchester United, as a way to manage dressing room dynamics and push players toward the exit. With the January transfer window fast approaching, the football world will be watching closely to see where Sterling ends up, and whether Disasi reconsiders his stance on leaving the Blues.
