KEY POINTS
- Former England international Raheem Sterling has joined Feyenoord on a contract until the end of the 2025–26 season.
- The 31-year-old winger left Chelsea by mutual agreement last month after falling out of favour.
- Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie says Sterling’s experience will boost the club’s push in the second half of the season.
Raheem Sterling, the former England international and Premier League winner, has signed with Dutch side Feyenoord until the end of the current season, the club confirmed on Thursday.
The 31-year-old forward joins the Eredivisie outfit on a short-term deal after reaching a mutual agreement to depart Chelsea in January, having been frozen out of the first-team setup.
Sterling’s move to Feyenoord marks a fresh chapter in his career following a period of uncertainty at Stamford Bridge. The former Liverpool and Manchester City star had not played regularly after falling out of favour with Chelsea’s management and was training away from the squad before his exit.
At Feyenoord, Sterling links up with head coach Robin van Persie, who has voiced confidence that the winger’s attacking quality and experience will add value as the Dutch club strives to improve its league position and contend in domestic competitions.
Feyenoord currently sit second in the Eredivisie table, trailing league leaders but still focused on achieving strong results in the run-in.
Sterling’s decision to play abroad comes after exploring opportunities as a free agent. He said the freedom to choose his next destination allowed him to assess what role clubs envisioned for him, ensuring a fit where he could contribute meaningfully.
Signed until the season’s end, Sterling will wear the Feyenoord shirt in hopes of helping the side chase key objectives on the domestic front. The contract gives him a platform to regain competitive fitness following a long layoff and re-establish his presence on the field.
Manager Van Persie spoke of excitement at securing a player of Sterling’s calibre, noting that his resume of goals, big-game experience and leadership could influence the team’s results as they navigate the season’s latter stages.
Sterling’s arrival is also significant for the Eredivisie, adding star power and international experience to Feyenoord’s squad. Fans and pundits expect his presence to lift performance levels, especially given his success in England’s top flight and with the national team.
While short-term, the move presents an opportunity for Sterling to adapt to a new league and culture, broadening his playing experience outside of England for the first time in his career.
His tenure in the Premier League saw him win four league titles with Manchester City and establish himself as one of England’s most recognised attacking talents, also contributing significantly on the international stage for his country.
As the season unfolds, Sterling’s performances at De Kuip Stadium will be closely watched by fans and analysts, both for his impact on Feyenoord’s fortunes and how he rebounds from a challenging club exit.
