Two Chelsea wingers could leave soon: Who fits and who doesn’t?
If you follow Chelsea regularly, you’ve probably noticed the winger department is the most uncertain area in the squad right now. Based on the club’s spending pattern, the manager’s preferences, and the sheer number of wide players on the books, it makes sense that at least two of them will be moved on before the next window closes. The question is not whether Chelsea will trim, but which wingers stay and which ones are shown the door.
The numbers don’t lie: Chelsea has too many wingers
Even after selling Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech, Chelsea still carry Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer (who often operates wide), plus youngsters like Omari Hutchinson and Mason Burstow (if we consider wide forwards). With the likely return of Christopher Nkunku to a central role and the expected signing of a proper number nine, the wide positions become even more crowded. Something has to give.
Raheem Sterling: high wages, inconsistent output
Sterling arrived in 2022 as a marquee signing, but his first full season was a mix of bright moments and long stretches of invisibility. His salary is among the highest at the club, and at 29 he does not represent a long-term asset. Under Mauricio Pochettino, Sterling has been used both on the left and right, but he often drifts inside and loses the ball in tight spaces. If a Saudi Pro League club makes a serious offer – and there have been murmurs – Chelsea would likely accept, because moving his wages off the books creates room for a younger, faster profile. Sterling could still do a job in a slower league, but in the Premier League his explosiveness has dipped noticeably. He might be one of the two wingers who leaves.
Mykhailo Mudryk: raw talent, no end product yet
Mudryk cost an initial €70 million plus add-ons, yet he has not delivered a single goal or assist in the Premier League from open play that truly decided a game. His pace is frightening, but his decision‑making in the final third is poor. He very often chooses the wrong pass or takes an extra touch when a shot is on. Some argue he needs more time, but Chelsea’s squad building strategy under the new ownership is ruthless. They have already shown they will cut losses early – see the quick sale of Kalidou Koulibaly. Mudryk’s age (22) works in his favour, but his lack of adaptation to English football, combined with the pressure of his fee, makes him a candidate for a loan or even a cut-price sale, especially if a club from Serie A or the Bundesliga comes in with a structured deal. The Ukrainian might be the second winger to depart.
Noni Madueke: the wildcard who might stay
Madueke joined in January 2023 from PSV, but injuries have limited his impact. When fit, he offers direct running on the right, something Chelsea have lacked. He is also home‑grown (English, though developed abroad), which helps with squad registration. The club invested around £30 million, a figure they might be willing to write off, but Madueke’s age (21) and raw attributes make him a candidate to keep and develop. He seems less likely to be sold than Sterling or Mudryk, unless a very good bid arrives.
What about Cole Palmer?
Palmer is not a pure winger; he drifts centrally and creates chances. He cost only £42.5 million from Manchester City and has already looked more composed than any other Chelsea wide player. He is almost certainly staying. The management sees him as a creative hub, not a departure risk.
A quick comparison of the current wingers
| Player | Age | Estimated weekly wage | Likelihood to leave (this year) | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raheem Sterling | 29 | ~£325k | High | Age, wages, inconsistent form, Saudi interest |
| Mykhailo Mudryk | 22 | ~£97k | Moderate‑High | Poor end product, club may cut losses, interest from Europe |
| Noni Madueke | 21 | ~£70k | Low‑Moderate | Young, direct style, home‑grown, low resale pressure |
| Cole Palmer | 21 | ~£75k | Very low | Key creator, low wages, recent arrival, fan favourite |
How to watch for the departures: a practical checklist
If you want to follow the situation closely, here are the signs that a winger is about to be sold:
- Pre‑season involvement: Players who are left out of the main touring squad or given only cameo minutes are often being shopped. For example, if Sterling is left behind for the USA tour, take it as a strong hint.
- Agent leaks to low‑key media: Reliable journalists often get the first hint. If you see stories about “interest from Saudi clubs” repeated by multiple independent sources, the deal is probably advanced.
- Sudden drop in social media activity: When a player goes silent or unfollows Chelsea’s official accounts, things are likely moving. It’s not scientific, but it happens often.
- New kit numbers: If a winger gets a new squad number in the summer, he stays. If he keeps his old number or it’s reassigned without explanation, be wary.
You can also check regular analysis on tr88.com for alternative perspectives – the community there often catches rumours early, though you should always verify with official club statements before treating anything as fact.
Risks and how to check the information
The biggest risk in following transfer rumours is confirmation bias. A lot of gossip is planted by agents to create leverage. To stay objective:
- Cross‑check any “exclusive” with at least two tier‑1 journalists (e.g., David Ornstein, Fabrizio Romano, or the Athletic’s Chelsea correspondent).
- Ignore fan‑run Twitter accounts that repost without sources.
- Remember that Chelsea’s board can change direction quickly – one week they want to keep a player, the next they accept a bid.
- Betting markets on player transfers are sometimes more accurate than media, but they can also be manipulated. If you look at market odds on thể thao sections of certain platforms, you can see where the money is flowing, but don’t treat it as guaranteed truth.
Another risk is assuming that every departure is a mistake. Sometimes selling a winger who is not performing is the right move, even if he later excels elsewhere. Chelsea need to balance the books and reduce the squad size, so some exits are simply operational, not a judgment of talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Chelsea sell both Sterling and Mudryk in the same window?
It’s possible, but unlikely in the January window because of the difficulty of replacing two wingers mid‑season. The summer of 2025 is a more realistic timeline. If one goes in January, the other probably stays until the summer.
Could Chelsea loan Mudryk instead of selling?
Yes, a loan with an option to buy is the most likely outcome if they want to protect his market value. A move back to Shakhtar or to a Bundesliga club would give him regular minutes.
Are any Premier League clubs interested in Sterling?
His wages are a huge barrier. Only a club like West Ham or Aston Villa might take a chance if Chelsea subsidise his salary. Otherwise, a move to the Saudi league is more plausible.
Is Madueke at risk of leaving?
Less so than the others, but if a club offers £35m+, Chelsea might listen. The club invested heavily in him and he is still young, so unless a crazy bid arrives, he stays.
How reliable are the rumours on tr88.video?
Like any fan forum, treat them as speculation. The site aggregates news from various sources, so you can get a quick overview, but always go back to the original source for confirmation.
Conditional verdict: who goes depends on what Chelsea need
If Chelsea’s priority is to free up wage budget for a world‑class striker, then Sterling is the first out of the door. If the board wants to recoup transfer fees to stay within Profit and Sustainability Rules, then Mudryk becomes the prime candidate because his book value is still high and his potential sale would register as pure profit. If both happen, Chelsea will have to rely on Madueke, Palmer, and maybe a new signing – which is a gamble, but one they seem prepared to take.
Ultimately, the departure of two wingers is not a disaster if the club has a clear plan. The risk is if they sell without having a replacement lined up, which happened with the striker position last season. My personal take: Sterling leaves by the summer of 2025, Mudryk goes out on loan in January, and Madueke gets a real chance to prove himself. If that scenario plays out, Chelsea’s attack becomes leaner but not necessarily more effective – it all depends on who the next manager is and how they set up the team. Watch the January window closely; it will tell you where the club is heading.