Raheem Sterling became surplus to Manchester City's requirements last season, despite scoring 13 goals and generally being a threat whenever he stepped on the pitch.
In 2021-22, Sterling saw his lowest number of minutes since his first as a City player six seasons previous, as Pep Guardiola opted to rotate his deep squad and called on the 27-year-old less than some other players. Even so, Sterling was able to best his Premier League goal scoring tally from the previous year despite playing in one fewer game, showing that he still has the quality to contribute to a title-calibre club.
Now, with the England international having officially made his move to Chelsea for £47.5 million plus add-ons, Sterling can look forward to a fresh start with a new club that could potentially lead to more playing time as he keeps one eye on Qatar 2022 in November.
Expectations at Stamford Bridge will be high of Sterling at given his price tag and his reputation as a legitimate Premier League scorer, although Chelsea do have several other attackers to help share the load with their newest acquisition. So while Sterling won't be expected to come into the London club and carry the attack, he still will be seen as a major piece that can drive the club forward as they compete with City and Liverpool for league supremacy.
So where exactly will Sterling fit in Chelsea's attack? It will ultimately depend on how his manager Thomas Tuchel sets the rest of the team up, but Sterling will be given every opportunity to return to the star form he displayed a few seasons ago.
One thing Sterling won't have to worry about as much with the Blues is sheer amount of competition for places, as City's depth is arguably the best in the world and the Jamaican-born former Liverpool man was one of several players who, under Guardiola, simply did not command as much playing time as their talents demanded.
Under Tuchel, Sterling's path to the starting XI is clearer, although there are still many players who are able to keep him out of the lineup. Key among his competitors at Stamford Bridge are Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kai Havertz, but, like Sterling, one thing all these players have in common is their ability to play several different positions along the front line (or even in midfield). That should allow Tuchel maximum flexibility to slot Sterling into his preferred spot on the right side of an attacking three, perhaps even alongside a centrally-positioned Mount like England did during recent matches.
With Romelu Lukaku off to Inter and swirling rumours of a new No. 9 heading to Stamford Bridge this summer, Sterling will potentially have a central striker to take the focus of opposing defences, which should allow him to operate freely and provide support with his piercing runs and ability to poach inside the box. City lacked a true, dominant No. 9 last season, although Sterling often succeeded when new Arsenal man Gabriel Jesus did his best central striker impression at the Etihad Stadium, so if Chelsea could land an elite centre forward it should help unlock Sterling's highest potential.
Sterling himself has also being utilised as a centre forward in recent matches, but unless Chelsea transition to a 4-4-2 it's hard to see him used much in that role under Tuchel. He's best playing behind and outside a proper striker, so if Chelsea continue with a front three we should expect to see Sterling out wide.