There was an early start for Raheem Sterling on Wednesday. The first men’s team signing of the Todd Boehly era at Chelsea arrived late the previous evening and much was still to be done ahead of his signing from Man City being announced.
It was on the palm-tree-lined streets of Hollywood that the England international was whisked off to in order for photos to be taken and video to be recorded. Despite his jet lag, Sterling cut a relaxed figure throughout – even when he had to rush into the middle of a busy road for one final shot.
It was at 9am LA time that Chelsea confirmed the 27-year-old’s arrival in a deal worth £47.5million Less than 30 minutes later, he was preparing for his first training session under Thomas Tuchel.
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Sterling’s signing was a priority for the Chelsea head coach. That Todd Boehly was able to deliver – and early into the window – ensures the winger has plenty of time to get up to speed and integrate with his new teammates.
“Raheem is new with us, a very warm welcome from all of us,” said Tuchel after he gathered his squad together on the Drake Stadium pitch at UCLA. “We’re very happy that you are here. Have a good first training.”
Sterling’s first training session on the UCLA pitch was undertaken in perfect conditions. Contrary to the blisteringly-hot weather in the United Kingdom, it’s been unseasonable cool in Los Angeles this week, something which has enabled the Chelsea coaching team to push the players hard.
Tuchel watched on from the sideline as Sterling settled into the group. The winger was even given an introductory gift by Hakim Ziyech, who nutmegged Sterling in one of the rondos and yelled ‘welcome!’ in delight.
After a quick cool down, Sterling was back on the road with several other members of the Chelsea squad. Dodger Stadium was their destination and a meeting with new co-owners Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.
Despite pushing forward with signings – Kalidou Koulibaly transfer from Napoli now in its final stages – the America duo have been out in LA this week, where they have spent time with Chelsea staff and players.
Further incomings are expected in the coming weeks as the Blues continue to build towards their opening Premier League game of the campaign on August 6 against Everton at Goodison Park.
It’s understood Tuchel’s priority remains to bolster his defence following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. In addition to Koulibaly, Presnel Kimpembe and Nathan Ake are being targeted. If all three arrive, captain Cesar Azpilicueta may be allowed to depart with Barcelona having offered the Spaniard a two-year deal.
A new right wing-back may also be sought in order to provide competition and an alternative to Reece James. Lens and French international Jonathan Clauss is understood to be one potential option.
Chelsea’s time in Los Angeles is nearing its end. The squad will train for the final occasions at Drake Stadium today (Thursday) and will then be heading off to Las Vegas for their first friendly of the summer against Club America.
Whether Sterling will be ready to feature is a decision that Tuchel – who will be undertaking pre-match press conference duties ahead of the game – has to make in the next 48 hours.
There will be hope among many of the travelling Chelsea supporters, and those who’ve made shorter journeys from around America, that they get a glimpse of Chelsea’s new signing, the marquee star that Boehly promised and delivered after his takeover from Roman Abramovich.
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