Fakayejo Paul
Chelsea have made a definitive statement regarding the futures of João Félix and Raheem Sterling, by notably excluding both players from their squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
The club will now actively look for solutions in the transfer market for both high-profile individuals.
The exclusion of Félix and Sterling, both significant investments for Chelsea, underscores manager Enzo Maresca’s clear vision for the squad and a move to reshape the team.
This decision is particularly striking given the Club World Cup’s importance and the potential for a global showcase.
João Félix, who returned to Chelsea on a permanent deal last summer after an initial loan spell, was subsequently loaned out to AC Milan where he also struggled to consistently impress.
His exclusion from the Club World Cup squad highlights that he is not part of Maresca’s plans moving forward.
To further emphasize this, João Félix’s previous number 14 jersey will now be worn by new Chelsea signing Dário Essugo.
This direct transfer of a squad number is a strong signal of the hierarchy’s intentions.
Raheem Sterling, who cost Chelsea £50 million, spent last season on loan at Arsenal, where he also endured a disappointing spell. Like Félix, his absence from the Club World Cup squad suggests that Chelsea will actively seek a new club for him this summer.
His high wages have been a significant hurdle in previous transfer discussions, and Chelsea will be keen to offload his salary from their books.
The brutal axing of these two, along with other high-value players like Axel Disasi and Djordje Petrovic, from the Club World Cup squad indicates Chelsea’s determination to rebuild under Maresca, focusing on players who align with his long-term strategy.
The club will now be working to find permanent solutions for Félix and Sterling in the transfer market, whether through sales or further loan deals.