Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has announced his plans to discuss the futures of Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi at Stamford Bridge. Both players have been training separately from the first-team squad following their departure from the plans of previous manager Enzo Maresca.
Sterling, who had a disappointing loan stint with Arsenal last season, is on a lucrative contract that runs for another two years at £325,000 per week ($436,000 per week). Disasi, on the other hand, is committed to the club until 2029, having spent the latter half of the previous season on loan at Aston Villa.
– Sources: Sterling eager for a permanent exit from Chelsea with interest from West Ham and Fulham
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“I’m planning to talk with both of them,” Rosenior said during a press briefing on Tuesday. “Raheem has had an incredible career, and I hold him in high regard. Axel is someone I have admired for quite a while.”
“Given the busy schedule I’ve faced so far, I haven’t had the chance to address this yet, but I will within the coming days.”
Earlier this month, ESPN reported that Sterling was keen to secure a permanent transfer from Chelsea during this window, with West Ham and Fulham showing interest.
With the January transfer window ongoing, Rosenior intends to thoroughly assess the squad before considering possible additions.
When asked if he sees a path back for the sidelined duo, he replied, “I need to speak with them and with the club. There are numerous tasks on my agenda, and this is certainly among the top priorities.”
Rosenior’s immediate focus is on the Carabao Cup semifinal first leg against Arsenal at home, and he plans to make a last-minute decision on the fitness of Cole Palmer.
The England international has notched up 43 goals and 29 assists in his first two seasons with Chelsea after joining from Manchester City in 2023. However, injuries have limited his impact this season.
Rosenior believes there’s more to come from the “world-class” Palmer, although he acknowledged it might take some time to unlock his full potential.
“Cole is a unique talent; my role is to understand him, connect with him, and identify what brings out the best in him – and that requires time,” stated Rosenior.
“I’m not here to critique his past performances or how he fared under previous management. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
“The remarkable aspect of Cole is that he already possesses world-class talent at just 23 years old, and there’s so much more he can achieve.”
Palmer was rested during Saturday’s 5-1 FA Cup victory over Charlton due to precautionary reasons, having dealt with a groin issue and a stubbed toe earlier in the season.
He has scored four goals in 12 appearances this season but has yet to provide an assist.
The forward’s performance dipped in the latter half of last season, having initially scored 14 goals in his first 21 Premier League matches but only one more in 26 appearances across competitions before helping Chelsea secure the Club World Cup.
Rosenior aims to allow Palmer the freedom to reach greater heights. “Good players can adapt to any role,” he explained. “I’ve witnessed Cole excel as a false nine, on the wings, and as a central playmaker. He’s just a phenomenal player. I want to grant him the freedom to follow his instincts and create and score goals.”