The 27-year-old has signed a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge with an option for a further 12 months and has linked up with Thomas Tuchel’s side on their pre-season tour of the United States. Sterling becomes the first men’s signing of the Todd Boehly era at Chelsea and could soon be joined by Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who has agreed a four-year deal and will undergo a medical on Thursday ahead of a potential £32m move . “First and foremost, it’s a pleasure to be here,” Sterling said. “Obviously I’ve achieved a lot in my career so far, but there’s still a lot more to achieve and I’m really looking forward to doing it in a Chelsea shirt under Thomas. “London is my home and where it all started for me, and it’s amazing that I now have the opportunity to play in front of friends and family every week at Stamford Bridge. I can’t wait to meet the fans there soon. “I can’t wait to get started now and keep talking on the field.” Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports News, Chelsea boss Tuchel said Sterling was the club’s number one transfer target this summer and described it as “perfect”. “It was the number one priority and we’re very excited and very happy that we were able to achieve it,” Tuchel said. “He is a big improvement for our squad and is exactly what we were looking for in terms of age, experience and style of play. “Once players these days get into a situation where they only have one year [left on their] contract, there is always room for negotiation and possibility. We went for it. We could convince him very quickly. He was convinced, he did what was needed, we gave our best to make it happen. It’s a perfect fit. “It gives us a lot of flexibility, mobility and attacking options up front.” New Chelsea co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly said: “Raheem Sterling is a serial winner and his signing is an important step in strengthening our squad. We are delighted that Raheem is back in London with Chelsea and look forward to see the world-class talent on display at Stamford Bridge.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player New signing Raheem Sterling receives a warm welcome from Chelsea fans in Los Angeles Sterling earlier bid farewell to Manchester City in a heartfelt message on social media on Wednesday, with the England winger describing his “honour to wear the Manchester City shirt”. “Seven seasons, eleven major trophies, a lifetime of memories,” he wrote. “To the coaching staff who have played a huge role in my development over the years, to my teammates who have become more than just those I share a pitch with, to the backroom staff, to the office staff, to the fans who have tirelessly supported the team and to everyone involved with Manchester City, my respect for you could not be greater. “What a ride it’s been. I’m grateful for the ups and downs that have, at times, tested my strength and my resolve and allowed me to stand here before you as the best possible version of myself. “I arrive in Manchester a 20-year-old. Today, I leave as a man.” The England international headed a short list of attacking targets for Tuchel and was entering the final year of his contract with City, who are grateful for his service and will not hinder his desire for more minutes and a place elsewhere. Pep Guardiola has repeatedly stated “I don’t like to keep players who are unhappy” and was open to allowing Sterling to leave this summer, even to a Premier League rival, provided an acceptable bid was submitted of 50 million pounds. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player We take a look at Sterling’s development at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola Tuchel was desperate to add a decisive edge in the final third to cure Chelsea’s goalscoring issues and new Blues owner Todd Boehly had been in touch with City to discuss the elements and structure of a deal. Sterling offers Tuchel a guaranteed threat – he has directly contributed 165 league goals in 320 appearances for Liverpool and City – as well as tactical flexibility and experience. The 27-year-old believes he is in the defining phase of his career and wants to make a significant contribution on and off the pitch. Image: Raheem Sterling has completed his move to Chelsea That City can sell two strikers to members of the ‘Big Six’ – Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal for £45m and Sterling to Stamford Bridge – without fear is a sign of their steady recruitment and the gap between of clubs. Transfers within the league at the top of the table are expected to become more common as European clubs struggle to compete financially with their English counterparts.
Condition: Sterling will push our levels higher
Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Mason Mount believes new Chelsea signing Raheem Sterling will be a big presence and leader at the London club Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has spoken to Sky Sports about the influence his new team-mate and England colleague Sterling will have on the Blues squad. Mount is convinced that Sterling’s experience, quality and leadership will strengthen Chelsea. “A top, top guy. Such an experienced player, top professional,” Mount said when asked about Sterling. “I was lucky to play with him in the last two years with England, where he captains the team at times. He is someone who has been there for a long time. “He’s a top player and I’ve learned a lot from him over the last couple of years, so for him to join us, he’s going to raise our levels. “He’s definitely someone who strives for high levels to win and that’s what we want. We want those players in this group, very excited to be here. “We’ve lost some who are leaders and he’s coming in and he’s going to be someone who leads, a big presence in the team, a big personality. Hopefully we can win some things together.”
Why Chelsea appreciate Sterling’s true value
Sterling wants more minutes but also more responsibility in this defining period of his career and Chelsea need a signing to mark the start of a new era. The move doesn’t just benefit Chelsea. Sterling will improve his understanding with England team-mates James and Mount, two players he can consult to see how Tuchel operates. Chelsea are also one of the few clubs who can afford his wages. Tuchel is no doubt attracted by Sterling’s versatility across the attacking line – he is capable of playing either on the flanks or through the middle as a false nine – a tactic the German prefers to the conventional target. Chelsea have won 21 men’s trophies and 12 women’s titles since buying Roman Abramovich in 2003. Todd Boehly has now replaced Bruce Buck as chairman and awarding a ready-made serial winner to Sterling is a big opening statement.
How will Chelsea line up this season?
Image: Kai Havertz, Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount
The arrival of Todd Boehly’s consortium as the club’s new owners – and with it the promise of major investment on and off the pitch – have ensured Chelsea fans enter this summer on a wave of optimism. Even the departure of club-record signing Romelu Lukaku on loan from ex-Inter Milan – a move that served as an acknowledgment from both the striker and Chelsea that the transfer had failed – could not dampen the excitement. Allowing Lukaku to return to Italy was a move that made sense and while Sterling’s arrival has not met with universal approval from fans, the signing of someone of his pedigree from a direct rival is a clear sign of Boehly’s ambition. Sterling’s signing also serves as a signal to Chelsea’s current attacking group that their performances to date have not been up to scratch. Unsurprisingly, a number of them are rumored to be available to other clubs as part of what promises to be a busy summer in west London. Hakim Ziyech is a target for Milan, Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic have been linked with moves and Armando Brocha – whose Chelsea situation is uncertain after last season on loan at Southampton – is of interest to several Premier League sides. Thomas Tuchel’s clear targeting of wingers this transfer window also raises the prospect of the head coach considering a move away from his preferred 3-4-3 formation. But with a shortage of strikers – not to mention centre-backs – how will Chelsea line up next season? How will Sterling fit in? And will Tuchel go into the season with Kai Havertz as his No 9 or will he push Boehly into a surprise move for Cristiano Ronaldo?
Why is Sterling still undervalued?
Image: Sterling scored 13 goals in the Premier League last season
It is rare for a player to move between two top Premier League clubs in his prime – and even rarer that such a switch would be met with such ambivalence. Why is Raheem Sterling’s proposed transfer from Manchester City to Chelsea considered so? City fans seem relaxed about his future. This is surprising given that Sterling has scored an average of 22 goals for the club…
