Chelsea Cut Ties with Star Midfielder to Make Room for New Summer Signing

• Chelsea have parted ways with Ross Barkley after the midfielder's four-year stint at Stamford Bridge
• Barkley had a year left on his current contract with the Blues, who have resolved to pay him off to leave the club
• The 28-year-old was yet to feature for Thomas Tuchel's side this season, with his last appearance in a blue shirt coming back in May against Watford
• Barkley's departure is expected to pave way for new signings, with the club currently recruiting

Chelsea have cut ties with Ross Barkley after terminating his contract one year early.

Barkley has failed to make an impact at Stamford Bridge since joining the Blues from Everton in 2018 in a £15m transfer deal.

The Englishman has scored just 12 goals in a blue shirt in about 100 appearances across competitions.

Having spent the 2022/21 season on loan at Aston Villa, the 28-year-old returned to Chelsea last term but could only manage 14 appearances.

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The Chelsea hierarchy has now resolved to terminate his deal at Stamford Bridge with a year to go to make room for a new signing before the transfer window closes this week.

Chelsea announces Ross Barkley's departure

In a statement announcing Barkley's exit on Monday, August 29, Chelsea confirmed the decision was arrived at by mutual consent.

The club further thanked the Englishman for his services during the period he spent with them, sending him best wishes on his next adventure.

"Ross Barkley has left Chelsea by mutual consent and becomes a free agent," the statement read.

"We would like to thank Ross for his contribution to Chelsea and wish him well for the rest of his career," the club added.

Raheem Sterling scores his first Chelsea goals

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Sports Brief had earlier reported that Raheem Sterling broke his goal-scoring duck for Chelsea as the Blues returned to winning ways with a hard-fought win over Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

The England international had drawn blank in his opening three games for Chelsea but managed to end his goal-scoring drought on matchday four.

After a barren first 45 minutes, Sterling broke the game's deadlock two minutes after recess when arrowed a fine effort beyond the reach of Leicester City custodian Danny Ward.