It now seems increasingly unlikely that either of the two players in question will find a way back into the Chelsea first-team plans.
Chelsea are reportedly preparing to offload both individuals, with the club expected to list them for transfer in the coming weeks as they look to reshape the squad ahead of the new season.
Raheem Sterling had already seen signs of his exit last summer when he was stripped of his Chelsea shirt number.
That move was followed by a loan switch to Arsenal for the 2024–25 campaign.
While there has been speculation about his future, it’s clear that Chelsea no longer see him as part of their long-term project.
Similarly, João Félix has now faced a comparable fate. The Portuguese forward has been dealt a significant blow after being relieved of his squad number ahead of the new campaign.
The number 14 shirt, which Félix previously wore, has now been reassigned to Dário Essugo, a recent signing from Sporting Lisbon who joined the Blues earlier this month.
Félix joined Chelsea permanently last summer in a deal worth £42.6 million, following an earlier six-month loan spell during the second half of the 2022–23 season.
Despite initial hope that he could develop into a key attacker for the club, his permanent stint has failed to live up to expectations.
After failing to cement a starting role, Félix was loaned out once more in February, this time to Serie A giants AC Milan. Unfortunately for him, his time in Italy was underwhelming.
In 21 appearances for Milan, he managed just four goal contributions—far below the standard required for a player of his price tag and supposed calibre.
As Chelsea prepare for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, they are beginning to streamline their squad.
The team is scheduled to travel to the United States this week for the tournament.
Their campaign is set to begin with a match against Liga MX side Club León next Monday.
The reassignment of Félix’s shirt number to a new recruit is another strong indicator that he is no longer in Chelsea’s future plans.
With the club eager to reduce their wage bill and offload underperforming assets, the departures of both Félix and Sterling now appear to be only a matter of time.
The coming weeks could bring clarity, but all signs currently point to exits for the pair as Chelsea continues its rebuild under a new sporting direction.
