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 will be expected to play on the left wing in his preferred position, in support of Kai Havertz, who occupied a false 9 role at times during the 2021-22 campaign.
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.
