Football News: Chelsea and Manchester City agree on Raheem Sterling
Chelsea and Manchester City have agreed to terms for a £47.5 million transfer of Raheem Sterling. Thomas Tuchel's shortlist of offensive targets included Raheem Sterling, who was in the final year of his contract with Man City
Raheem Sterling : Now will wear different shade of blueChelsea was about to bolster its attacking options.
Though the Blues were heavily linked with Leeds striker Raphinha and fellow Brazilian Richarlison this summer, Raheem Sterling has been Chelsea's top target.
With a further 12-month option, Raheem Sterling has personally agreed to the five-year contract terms.
Chelsea is currently planning how to schedule a medical in London. If everything goes as planned, Sterling will travel to the United States with his new teammates for their pre-season trip.
In July 2015, Sterling moved to Manchester City from Liverpool for an initial fee of £49 million, and he has been a crucial part of their success under Pep Guardiola.
At Manchester City, he has won four Premier League championships, one FA Cup, three League Cups, and 131 goals in 339 games for the current Premier League champions.
Sterling would provide Tuchel with a reliable threat, tactical versatility, and experience. He has contributed to a total of 165 goals in 320 games for Liverpool and City.
The English international is believed to have spoken to Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel about what it's like to work there and was impressed with the German coach's plans for the team.
The 27-year-old intends to significantly contribute on and off the field since he feels his career is at a pivotal point.
The fact that Manchester City can confidently cede two attackers to the "Big Six" teams—Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal for £45 million and Sterling to Stamford Bridge—shows the strength of their recruitment strategy and the distance between the clubs.
Would the Raheem Sterling move benefit Chelsea?
Not only will Chelsea gain from the change, but Sterling, who might get a better knowledge of James and Mount, two England teammates who can provide insight into Tuchel's management style.
Although Real Madrid and Barcelona were mentioned, Chelsea is one of the few teams that can afford his salary.
Tuchel will be drawn to Sterling's versatility in the attacking line, specifically his ability to play on either wing or through the middle as a false nine - a tactic the German favoured over the conventional target man. The return of Lukaku on loan to Inter Milan has increased speculation over Sterling's arrival.
Since Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003, the team has won 12 women's championships and 21 men's trophies. Bruce Buck has been replaced as chairman by Todd Boehly, and hiring Sterling would make a solid first impression.
There will be an intense rivalry for spots in Pep Guardiola's starting XI in the upcoming campaign due to the additions of Haaland and Julian Alvarez, as well as the performances of players like Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, and Riyad Mahrez.
Sterling sat on the sidelines for both legs against Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinals and the thrilling season-ending match against Aston Villa.
But he did help Manchester City come back from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 and edge Liverpool for the league title by setting up Ilkay Gundogan's vital opening goal.
On August 7, Manchester City will play its opening match of the 2022–23 campaign against West Ham United at the London Stadium.