BREAKING NEWS: Chelsea are ready to swap Raheem Sterling for Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise to avoid his £60 million release clause, reports Fabrizio Romano. Co-owner Todd Boehly is keen to offload Sterling and pursue this deal.
Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling might face limited opportunities to revive his Premier League career if he considers leaving Stamford Bridge, as suggested by transfer expert Dean Jones. Speculation about a swap deal involving Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise is premature, according to Jones.
Since his £50 million transfer from Manchester City nearly two years ago, Sterling has struggled to make a significant impact under Mauricio Pochettino’s management, scoring only eight goals in all competitions this season. With plans underway to strengthen the squad in the upcoming summer transfer window, there’s uncertainty about Sterling’s future at Chelsea.
Despite Sterling’s desire to remain in London and reluctance to explore offers from the Saudi Pro League, Chelsea’s hierarchy, reportedly led by American businessman Todd Boehly, is keen to offload him. They are considering offering him to Crystal Palace in exchange for Olise, who has impressed despite injury setbacks this season.
Olise, a target for Pochettino, has attracted attention despite his limited playing time. While Sterling seems to relish the Chelsea project and life in London, he turned down an informal approach from a Saudi club last year. Dean Jones suggests that while Chelsea hasn’t advanced negotiations for the swap deal, Sterling’s options in the Premier League, particularly in London, are dwindling.
Neighboring clubs have not expressed interest in Sterling, partly due to his salary demands. There are doubts about Pochettino’s ability to secure Olise’s signature for next season. Jones indicates that while a potential swap deal is intriguing, Chelsea’s pursuit of Olise remains uncertain.
In summary, Sterling’s future at Chelsea hangs in the balance as the club explores options to strengthen the squad, while Olise emerges as a potential target. However, the likelihood of a swap deal and Sterling’s prospects in the Premier League remain uncertain, leaving the situation open for developments in the coming months.