'Case Sancho' all over again: What will happen with Raheem?

On this day, July 13, three years ago, Raheem Sterling left Man City as one of the best players in the club's recent history and fifth all-time leading scorer, and joined Chelsea for £47.5 million. He finished his spell with the Cityzens with 339 appearances, 131 goals, 86 assists, and 11 trophies, including four Premier Leagues.

On the same day, three years later, Sterling's career seems to have hit rock bottom. Chelsea don't want him anymore and would desperately like to get rid of him, while his latest loan at Arsenal was absolutely terrible, as he scored only one goal in 28 matches.

To make matters worse, Sterling - England's sixth youngest debutant - is completely out of the national team, and there's no indication that he'll return soon, having played his last game for the Three Lions on December 10, 2022, in England's quarter-final defeat to France at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

As if the Red Devil cursed him: Raheem's 0/27 against THIS team

His deal with Chelsea expires in two years, but it's crystal clear that he has no place in Enzo Maresca's squad, so Sterling's options are limited. He can either try his luck on another loan - if anyone wants to give him a chance - or find a new permanent club, though it will undoubtedly be an uphill battle.

Perhaps some mid-table Premier League club would want him or one of the Turkish giants which have lately been making mass signings and handing out money left and right. But the likelihood of that is still minimal.

In the end, Sterling is only 30, and - considering his age - he is nowhere near retirement. But he needs to find a way to ignite the fire inside him and make himself enjoy the game once again. Otherwise, his career will keep plummeting down, and all doors will be closed for him.