The last-gasp swap transfer deal between Manchester United and Chelsea that would break the internet

Enzo Maresca has repeatedly stated in the last ten days that Raheem Sterling is not in his plans for the season—a dramatic shift from his tone during the summer transfer window. He has suggested that Sterling will not play even a single minute under him if he remains at the club. The last time a Chelsea manager was this brutal and uncompromising was when José Mourinho was in charge.

The Italian manager is ruthless, and suddenly, Sterling has a big decision to make in his career. Should he stick or twist? Stay or leave? What does this mean for his illustrious career at the age of 29?

With just hours left before the summer transfer window closes, the powerful people managing Sterling should be hitting the phones and taking advantage of Chelsea’s reported interest in Jadon Sancho to propose the widely discussed swap deal of the last five days. Football is missing such groundbreaking deals, but this could be the one that breaks the internet, as both sets of fans would likely be thrilled. Manchester United, judging by their opening two games, are also in need of quality wingers.

Erik ten Hag clearly does not want to work with Jadon Sancho, and Enzo Maresca won’t play Sterling. The agents representing these two English internationals have one job to do within the next 24 hours: find new clubs for their respective clients.

A straight swap deal wouldn’t be any worse than letting these two players waste their careers in the reserves of their current clubs. Raheem Sterling’s experience could greatly benefit Manchester United if Erik ten Hag can make him feel at home.

Imagine the reaction in the blue half of Manchester if Sterling were to don the red shirt. Sterling can play on both wings and deliver results. Even in the twilight of his career, he is a more efficient winger compared to Antony, who has not lived up to the heavy price tag United paid for him.

On the other side, Jadon Sancho has already proven that he is still a quality winger outside Carrington, where he feels unloved. A few months ago, while on loan at Borussia Dortmund, he played a pivotal role in the club’s impressive journey to the UEFA Champions League final, where they lost due to wastefulness in front of goal.

Both players were linked to Juventus, but reports suggest that the Italian giants want loan deals where the parent clubs would cover some of their wages—something Chelsea and Manchester United would only do if forced, with no other option.

At worst, Manchester United and Chelsea should consider a loan swap deal to test if the two players can flourish outside their parent clubs. If it works out, the swap can be made permanent. If not, the clubs will have time to find new buyers for the two.