“I will keep texting him unit he join me at Chelsea” “He’s a creative player” – Raheem Sterling wants Chelsea to sign 28-year-old creative attacker
In the past, Raheem Sterling has praised Jack Grealish and called him a “great player” amid speculation that the two may be teaming up at Chelsea in the summer.
It’s possible that Grealish will leave Manchester City following an unimpressive third season at the Etihad Stadium, much like Sterling did when his place in Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup was threatened.
After Todd Boehly assumed leadership in 2022, the outcome of the transfer from City to Chelsea has fluctuated. Under Mauricio Pochettino, Cole Palmer has flourished, but Sterling hasn’t quite been able to duplicate his Manchester United success.
Grealish might be the next player to try his luck after a report by Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips suggesting that the London club has ‘internally discussed’ making a move for the £100million-rated player. Despite playing a key role in City’s impressive treble win last season, Grealish’s impact this term has been limited, with only four goal contributions in the Premier League.
Should the 28-year-old make the switch to Chelsea, he could provide direct competition in the wide areas for Sterling. The latter had nothing but praise for Grealish when City signed him from Aston Villa in 2021 for what was then a record-breaking Premier League fee.
“[City] have signed a great player and someone that wants to prove himself at the highest level,” Sterling told Man City’s official website. “I don’t think there is any better club for him to try and do that.
“I met him at Villa, but during the international period it was the first time I was really around him for a long period of time. He is a player that always wants the ball, he gets in good pockets of space and he is creative.
“It adds another creative player to this team which I am really excited about so hopefully he can add a few more goals to my tally. When you add good players to your team it is always a good thing. He is a player I believe can truly have a great career here.”
Although Grealish has not spoken at length about his relationship with Sterling, either on or off the pitch, he did name him last year in a group of ‘unbelievable’ players he had been fortunate enough to play with including Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez.
Whether Chelsea have the funds to tempt City with an offer for Grealish remains to be seen, as Guardiola’s side will naturally be keen to minimise losses on the nine-figure fee they shelled out almost three years ago.