Report: Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling flies off to join new Chelsea teammates
Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling will fly to the US to join Chelsea on the pre-season tour ahead of his transfer to the Blues, according to reports. The 27-year-old has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for months and it now looks like the move is almost complete.
Sterling has been one of City’s key players for the past five years but is entering the final year of his contract and it is believed he will want more regular playing time ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
The 27-year-old is said to be very excited about the move to Chelsea, having already spoken to their manager Thomas Tuchel. Sterling was reportedly more convinced of Tuchel’s plans than his current manager Pep Guardiola.
The transfer now appears to be complete, pending an official announcement. Matt Law of The Daily Telegraph reports that Sterling will fly to LA today to join his new Chelsea teammates.
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In financial terms, the transfer does make sense. Sterling went into the final year of his contract and could have left in January for much cheaper than the reported £45million, or switch for free next summer.
However, at the football level, many City fans will be disappointed. Allowing one of your top scorers of the past decade to join potential title rivals is always going to be a tough sell.
While City will still be the favorites in next season’s title race, it would come as no surprise if Chelsea were to push the Sky Blues next season. The Blues are likely to continue spending after Sterling’s signing, with City team-mate Nathan Ake and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly reportedly close to the London club.
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