Raheem Sterling Ignites The Race Between Napoli and Roma: Free Agent Shock Opens Serie A Door
Raheem Sterling Napoli could be one of the biggest late transfer shocks as the former Chelsea star becomes a free agent and eyes a fresh start.
Andrea Locorotondo
Updated on 28 January 2026
Raheem Sterling Napoli: Contract Terminated
This could be one of the biggest surprises of the final days of the transfer market. Raheem Sterling ended his contract with Chelsea and is now ready for a new adventure, possibly abroad after spending his entire career in England.
Raheem Sterling has today departed Chelsea FC by mutual agreement.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 28, 2026
Why Napoli Are Tempted To Sign Sterling
Sterling began his career with Liverpool before moving to Manchester City in 2015 for over €60 million.
After seven years at the Etihad Stadium, the 1994-born player moved to Chelsea for €56 million and spent last season on loan at Arsenal.
He then returned to the Blues for a few months before his contract was terminated.
Former Blues coach Enzo Maresca never considered him, and new coach Rosenoir does not seem to have changed that.
However, Sterling was a key player in Guardiola Manchester City when he was at his peak.
As Antonio Conte knows how it is to play in the Premier League, he would love to accept the challenge and give Sterling a second chance at Napoli.
Roma Watching, Conte Waiting
Roma always pay attention to the Premier League and its development
It is also true that with the purchase of Malen from Aston Villa and a potential move for McKennie, Sterling seems more likely to join Napoli than Roma.
Nevertheless, the Giallorossi may reconsider the feasibility of the operation.
Sterling would be a valuable addition to the team, capable of playing on both wings and providing unpredictability in the final third.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s idea is basically to make things more unpredictable. Therefore, he would be the perfect fit.
While financial considerations initially complicated the deal, Sterling’s new status as a free agent and his desire to return to the spotlight could make it successful in the coming days.
Raheem Sterling end his contract with Chelsea after 59 games, 14 goals and 7 assists.
Andrea Locorotondo
Andrea Locorotondo is an Italian sports journalist. He has been living in the UK since 2015 and he is accredited by the SJA and AIPS. In addition to his role as contributor for FootItalia, he has demonstrated his ability to effectively cover a range of positions in sports journalism. Former Sportitalia TV journalist back in 2014, he is currently employed as a data journalist for Opta and Sportsdata. He is the team leader of Italian commentators at GBVision. He collaborates with EA Sports and frequently appears as a guest on Italian radio and television shows, including RDS Serie A TV and La Fiera del Calcio, where he shares his insights as a Premier League expert.
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