Chelsea have reassigned Raheem Sterling’s squad number to new signing Pedro Neto.
Sterling, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer of 2022, is no longer in the club’s plans and has expressed a desire to leave before next week’s transfer deadline.
Neto, who arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this month, was initially unveiled as Chelsea’s No. 19 on social media.
He made his debut for the club in a Premier League defeat to Manchester City, wearing the No. 19 shirt off the bench.
However, he will now switch to No. 7 for the remainder of the season, the number he wore at Wolves.
Sterling had worn No. 7 since joining Chelsea.
Sterling has sought “clarity” from the club regarding his future after being omitted from Chelsea’s squad for their Premier League opener against Manchester City.
The statement read: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years.
“He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.
“He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.
“As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.
“Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively.”
Additionally, Joao Felix, who joined from Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, will wear No. 14.
This number was previously worn by Trevoh Chalobah.
The full list of squad numbers will not be confirmed until after the transfer window closes next Friday.
Chelsea’s statement on the matter did not mention Sterling or Chalobah specifically but noted that the current list is subject to change until the window closes.
Chalobah is among several first-team players, including Sterling, who are now training away from the main squad and have been encouraged to seek moves away.
Other players, such as Kepa Arrizabalaga, Armando Broja, and Romelu Lukaku, who have returned to Chelsea following loan spells last season, have not been allocated squad numbers.
“I am not saying Raheem is not a good player, but I prefer different kinds of wingers,” head coach Enzo Maresca said on Wednesday.
“We have a big squad and it’s impossible to give all of them minutes.
“If they are looking for minutes it’s better for them to leave.
“I try to be honest.”
Chelsea’s next match is a Conference League play-off against Servette on Thursday, followed by a trip to Wolves on Sunday.
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