Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling does not appear to be interested in a rumoured transfer to the Saudi Pro League with 2024 champions elect Al Hilal.
Many of Europe’s biggest names remain linked with moves to the beyond wealthy gulf nation, initially sparked by Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock switch to Al Nassr at the end of 2022.
But Sterling appears reluctant. Fabrizio Romano has reported that his camp have “never engaged or discussed” a possible transfer to Al Hilal. The transfer specialist even quoted representatives as saying: “Raheem is as committed as ever to the Chelsea project.”
After spending 12 years in the north west of England with Liverpool and Manchester City, former QPR academy starlet Sterling returned to London in 2022 to join Chelsea for just under £50m.
He had won four Premier League titles with City, on top of several domestic cups, and even netted 31 times in all competitions during the 2019/20 season alone. But the 29-year-old has struggled to replicate that form with a Chelsea squad in considerable transition due to enormous player turnover.
Sterling has started the majority of Chelsea’s Premier League game this season but has only found the net once in the competition since late November, albeit a crucial goal in a 1-1 draw against his former club. A drop in form and the growing importance of players like Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden has also seen his England place come under threat, with no call-up since the 2022 World Cup.
Even with Sterling’s lack of interest, Saudi Pro League clubs are not going to dilute their ambition as the summer transfer window looms on the horizon. 90min understands that Saudi officials have compiled a list of 100 possible targets, including 20 ‘elite’ players. Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne are top of that list, with a belief in Saudi Arabia that Salah in particular would be open to a move at some point. The Egyptian is out of contract at Liverpool in 2025.
