Chelsea's new head coach, Liam Rosenior, has discovered a major transfer decision has already been made for him by the club's board before he even settled into his office at Stamford Bridge.
Sterling's Exit Marked as an Ownership Decision
According to a report from ESPN, the future of winger Raheem Sterling has been unequivocally decided by the club's ownership. The decision to move the player on is said to be firmly out of Rosenior's hands, marking a clear exception to the manager's expected involvement in recruitment matters.
Sterling was frozen out of the first-team picture by previous boss Enzo Maresca, training separately with the club's younger players after an underwhelming loan spell at Arsenal. Despite failing to secure a permanent move away last summer, it has now been confirmed that Sterling does not have a future at Chelsea and will need to find a new club during the current January transfer window if he wishes to play first-team football this season.
Rosenior's Immediate Challenges at Stamford Bridge
Liam Rosenior, who was appointed in January 2026, faces the immediate dual challenge of improving Chelsea's inconsistent form on the pitch while navigating a crucial transfer period. The Blues have remained in the race for a top-four Premier League finish but have struggled for consistency under Maresca.
In his first press conference, Rosenior emphasised his high standards and refused to let his relative lack of managerial experience limit the club's ambitions. "The potential for this club, and for this group is limitless. And I won't limit it," he stated. "I never limit the ambitions of my group. We've got world-class players... I believe I'm good at what I do."
What This Means for Chelsea's January Window
The pre-ordained exit of Sterling clarifies one part of Chelsea's January business, allowing Rosenior and the recruitment team to focus on other areas. The manager confirmed his focus is on winning the next game to build momentum, but the need to reshape the squad is evident.
While Rosenior will have a significant say in most transfers, the Sterling situation underscores that ultimate authority on certain players rests with the board. This sets a clear precedent as the new coach begins his tenure at one of England's biggest football clubs.
