Why Chelsea Are Right To Sign Raheem Sterling Over Cristiano Ronaldo

Amid a summer of change, both on and off the pitch, it’s become clear Thomas Tuchel wants to rebuild his Chelsea attack for the 2022/23 season. Romelu Lukaku has already returned to Inter following an underwhelming campaign at Stamford Bridge with Hakim Ziyech expected to join him in leaving the Blues for Serie A – AC Milan reportedly want the Moroccan.

But it’s in the attackers that might be arriving at Chelsea this summer where there is the most intrigue. The Blues are believed to be leading the pursuit to sign Brazilian winger Raphinha from Leeds United with a deal for Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling expected to be confirmed in the coming days.

Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese forward made clear his desire to depart Manchester United this summer. New Blues owner Todd Boehly reportedly met with Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, to discuss whether his client would be open to joining the Stamford Bridge club.

Now, it appears Chelsea have instead moved for Sterling over Ronaldo, and that makes sense. Ronaldo would have been an awkward fit in Tuchel’s system and would have experienced many of the same issues at Stamford Bridge that he did for Manchester United last season. Sterling, on the other hand, should integrate well.

Of course, Sterling already has years of experience of playing in a modern system. He has developed his game under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City where he arrived as a winger and was turned into a forward capable of playing out wide or through the middle. This versatility is something Tuchel surfing likes in Sterling.

Unlike Lukaku, Sterling is extremely valuable as a presser from the front. Guardiola demanded this of the England international for City and so Tuchel should have no trouble using his new summer signing to make Chelsea a more proactive outfit out of possession. Ronaldo, on the other hand, was criticised for his inability, or unwillingness, to press for Manchester United last term.

Tuchel settled on Kai Havertz as his starting centre forward last season, and Sterling’s signing will allow the German to keep his place. In theory, the pair should work well together, while Ronaldo would unsettle the dynamic. Whether as a wide forward or as a second striker, Sterling will give Chelsea an element of fluidity in the final third.

Last season, Chelsea were frequently wasteful in front of goal. Sterling should help address this, at least on the basis of his PremierPINC
League scoring record (91 goals in 225 games for City). The 27-year-old ticks almost every box for Chelsea as they look to build a team that can challenge for the Premier League title.

There is a lot to be done at Stamford Bridge this summer. Boehly was confirmed as Chelsea’s new owner only a few weeks ago and is now leading the club’s transfer market efforts as interim sporting director. This has added extra pressure on a window that must deliver additions in a number of positions for the Blues. The signing of Sterling would be a good start.