Raheem Sterling has been the subject of much transfer controversies over the past few transfer windows. With prospective deals between Spanish rivals, Barcelona and Real Madrid worth £80m, the English forward was regarded as a highly sought after player in the last summer transfer window.
Sterling however could not convert his optimism towards a Spanish move into reality, as he watched both deals fall to the ground due to financial crisis and other managerial decisions amongst the Spanish giant clubs. With both teams failing to meet Manchester City’s demand for the player, Sterling was presented no other option but to remain at the club to run down his contract.
Nevertheless, Raheem’s twist in fate was not all that much of a disappointing outcome for him. It was an added opportunity to reclaim his position as a starter under City boss, Pep Guardiola.
With his open cry for more game time and performance on the field speaking different love languages, Guardiola opted to play Phil Foden, Grealish, Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus out wide.
Not withstanding that Raheem Sterling just has one more year left on his contract, his depreciating form has largely contributed to the fall in his market value.
However, Chelsea are pulling the strings towards signing Sterling. Recently, seeing Lukaku leave on a loan deal to Inter Milan, the North London team are looking to bolster their attacking forces. Thomas Tuchel’s great admiration of the English speedster and his optimism that the player can easily fit into his style of play has fueled the transfer and seen it inch closer to the finish line.
It is all but confirmed that a deal worth £45m plus add ons has been struck and the player is expected to officially become a Chelsea player in less 24 hours. Raheem Sterling has also been offered a little over his current £300k weekly wages, making him the highest paid Chelsea player yet.
Sources close to Sterling have downplayed every opinion of Sterling making a sentimental move, but emphasising that it is sponsored by the player’s drive towards his professional career advancement.
This could be the fairy tale happy ending that he has always dreamt of.