Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea future has been cast in further doubt after summer signing Pedro Neto was handed his No7 shirt for the upcoming campaign.
Defender Trevoh Chalobah, who like Sterling was also left out of the Blues’ Premier League opener, has also lost his previous No14 shirt to Joao Felix.
The West Londoners confirmed the signing of Neto from Wolves earlier this month, while Felix’s permanent switch from Atletico Madrid was completed on Wednesday.
Neto wore No19 in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday but will now wear No7 after manager Enzo Maresca confirmed it is unlikely Sterling will feature regularly under him this season.
Chelsea can announce which number Joao Felix will wear for the Blues, while Pedro Neto has also changed shirt number. ⬇️
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 21, 2024
The Italian said before their Europa Conference League qualifier against Servette: “I’m not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer a different kind of winger.”
After being ommitted from their matchday squad on Sunday, Sterling, 29, released a statement from his representatives saying they were looking for “clarity” on his future.
He has been strongly linked with a move to Juventus before the window closes, with a number of Premier League clubs also rumoured as potential destinations.
Chalobah also looks unlikely to be in Maresca’s plans, with Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill selected at centre-back versus City.
Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile were named on the bench while Axel Disasi is also currently out injured.
