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EXCLUSIVE: Celtic ponder ambitious Sterling loan as Rodgers eyes reunion
Steve Kay
- Updated: 17 Sept 2025 06:25 BST
- 5 min read
Exclusive
FootballTransfers understands that former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is eyeing up a potential reunion with Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling at Celtic.
The 30-year-old forward, currently frozen out of Chelsea’s first-team picture under Enzo Maresca, faces an uncertain few months ahead of the January transfer window.
Sterling is still tied to the Blues until June 2027 on wages of around £300,000 per week, a contract that complicated a summer departure. The former England international is the West London club's best-paid player by quite some distance.
Current ETV
Raheem Sterling
F, AM (R), M (L)
Chelsea
Raheem Sterling
F, AM (R), M (L)
Chelsea
ETV Range
€10.6M - €13M
His most recent loan at Arsenal did little to rebuild his reputation, with the winger managing just one goal and a handful of assists across more than 20 appearances. Often confined to the bench under Mikel Arteta, Sterling struggled to make an impact, making a fresh start under Rodgers potentially all the more appealing.
Sterling’s most fruitful years of early development came under Rodgers at Liverpool between 2012 and 2015. The Northern Irish coach gave the then-teenager his breakthrough at Anfield, playing him in a central role during Liverpool’s thrilling 2013/14 title charge.
Sterling to reunite with Rodgers?
Rodgers’ trust in Sterling was pivotal to his evolution into one of England’s most dangerous attackers. Sources close to the player suggest that this still holds weight. Rodgers, tasked with keeping Celtic dominant domestically while making strides in Europe, could view Sterling’s experience as invaluable.
Having been knocked out of the Champions League in the playoff round, Celtic now turn their attention to the Europa League, where Sterling’s vast European pedigree could be a crucial advantage during the latter stages of the league phase and further into the competition.
His pace, composure, and know-how on continental nights would add an extra dimension to a squad often accused of lacking cutting edge outside Scotland.
At Stamford Bridge, Sterling has found himself on the periphery. Despite being one of the club’s senior figures, his wages have complicated any exit plans. Enquiries from Bayern Munich, Napoli, and clubs in the Premier League came and went over the summer without resolution.
Sterling’s reluctance to move abroad further narrowed his options. Of course, Celtic would not be able to match Sterling’s Chelsea salary outright, but a loan deal - potentially with a wage-sharing agreement - could be explored.
Sources have indicated that the Parkhead club are willing to contribute around £50,000 per week towards Sterling’s salary, a figure that, if Chelsea cover the rest, could make the move financially feasible.
Chelsea remain keen to move on from big earners who are not part of Maresca’s plans, and Celtic could offer a mutually beneficial solution. For Sterling, a move to Celtic Park would ensure regular football under a manager he trusts.
For Rodgers, it would provide a proven attacker who understands his tactical demands and brings the kind of European experience Celtic desperately need in their bid to make an impact in the Europa League.
As for Chelsea, although they would surely prefer to sell the veteran permanently, a six-month loan to Scotland could help Sterling recover lost value ahead of a permanent summer exit.
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