Sterling is getting closer to Chelsea
The possible transfer of Raheem Sterling to Chelsea is one of the most intriguing plots of the Premier League transfer off-season. The first rumors about this appeared in May – then they wrote that Thomas Tuchel was following Sterling’s performances at Man City. In June, interest became more substantive.
Sterling impressed by new Chelsea owners’ ambitions, but no clarity on transfer fee yet
The Telegraph reported that Chelsea are more interested in Sterling than other clubs in the Premier League, and the footballer himself is not opposed to moving to London, the city where he grew up (he played for the QPR academy before moving to Liverpool). Insider Fabrizio Romano wrote that the Londoners have not yet made offers, but the transfer directly depends on whether Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku moves to Inter, and Barça player Ousmane Dembele moves to Chelsea. If the Belgian leaves, the road is open for Sterling, but if Chelsea do not refuse to buy Dembele, then it is not certain that the team will need another attacking player. At the same time, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, when choosing between Sterling and Dembele, the Chelsea management would prefer to get the first one. At the same time, insiders cannot agree on the amount of a possible transfer.
- Di Marzio claims Chelsea could buy Sterling for £35m.
- Sky Sports reporter Ben Ransom writes that Londoners will need to shell out at least £60m.
- Man City could ask £50-60m for Sterling, according to The Telegraph.
- According to Romano, the Manchester club are demanding £47-52m for Sterling.
It seems that for Sterling himself, a move to Chelsea is a priority option. ESPN reports that the Englishman is impressed with the club’s new owners’ ambitions. The Athletic, citing its sources at Chelsea, wrote that the 27-year-old England winger had already learned how everything works at Chelsea and what kind of coach Tuchel is. The only obstacle to the transfer is the amount of compensation for City.
Why would Sterling trade City for Chelsea?
Raheem is still one of Pep Guardiola’s regular players, but this season (compared to last) his playing time has been reduced by 600 minutes. At the same time, strikers Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez (bought from River Plate) came to the club, so the competition will become even tougher. But in Chelsea, the competition is lower. Romelu Lukaku was unable to adapt to Tuchel’s demands, and the rest of the attacking players did not show significant progress during the season. See for yourself.
- Romelu Lukaku – 15 goals 2 assists
- Hakim Ziyech – 8 goals 6 assists
- Timo Werner – 11 goals 6 assists
- Christian Pulisic – 8 goals 5 assists
- Kai Havertz – 14 goals 6 assists
- Mason Mount – 13 goals 16 assists
Sterling has scored 17 goals 9 assists this season – at least six more than Kai Havertz, Chelsea’s second-highest goalscorer in terms of goals and passes. Only Mason Mount, whose place in the line-up is not in doubt, scored more scoring actions for the Londoners. Sterling’s attacking power will obviously not interfere with the London club, and Raheem himself will definitely get a place at the start.
Another important argument in Chelsea’s favor is Sterling’s desire to win the Champions League. Last year, City lost the final just to the Londoners – why not repeat?