Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City in a deal worth £47.5million.
Sterling has signed a five-year deal, with the option of a further year, and worth £310,000 a week. He will now join the squad in the USA for their pre-season tour.
The deal represents the first of the summer for Chelsea, and the £33m signing of Kalidou Koulibaly should soon follow after an agreement was reached with Napoli.
”Raheem Sterling is a serial winner and his signing is an important step in strengthening our squad,” Todd Boehly, chairman and co-controlling owner, said. “We are delighted for Raheem to return to London with Chelsea, and we look forward to seeing his world-class talent on display at Stamford Bridge.”
The England international leaves the Premier League champions after seven seasons, having won four Premier League titles, four League Cups, one FA Cup and reached one Champions League final, having told the club he wanted a new challenge.
Sterling has been manager Thomas Tuchel’s key target to improve a forward line guilty last season of profligate finishing. The German is understood to have been pivotal in talks to sign the forward, who considers Tuchel as one of the game’s best coaches.
The 27-year-old, who was also attracting interest from Real Madrid, was determined to find the right club to fulfil his ambitions and be in contention for the Ballon d’Or.
Chelsea’s strong desire to sign him made up his mind as to where his next destination should be.
