Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, with the England international leaving the Premier League champions to seek a new opportunity at Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old was a priority target for the Blues this summer, who were looking to revamp their attack under Thomas Tuchel following a mixed season up front.
Sterling’s arrival will cushion the blow of Romelu Lukaku’s departure following his loan to Inter, and fulfills the forward’s desire to find more playing time ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
Chelsea have paid £47.5 million ($57m) to sign Sterling, who had one year left on his contract at City.
It is the first major piece of incoming business for the Todd Boehly era at Stamford Bridge, with the American businessman overseeing transfers during his first summer as the club’s owner.
Sterling has signed a five-year contract at Chelsea, which will tie him to the Blues until the summer of 2027, though the deal also includes the option of an extra year.
Reports suggest Sterling will earn in excess of £300,000-per-week at Chelsea, making him Chelsea’s highest earner.
Sterling will be expected to play on the left wing in his preferred position, accompanied by Kai Havertz and potentially Raphinha if the latter is bought from Leeds United in Tuchel’s forward line.
Other candidates to join Sterling in the attacking positions are Mason Mount, Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic, though the latter trio could all be loaned or sold before the end of the summer.
With Lukaku gone, Sterling could also be asked to fill in as a central striker or false nine, as he did at times for City, though the potential arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo could yet make that a moot point.
