Raheem Sterling has signed for Feyenoord on a contract running until the end of the season, marking a new chapter for the ex-Chelsea and Manchester City winger.
The 31-year-old England international left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent in January after agreeing a settlement package with the club that reportedly covered the remaining 18 months of his deal, worth more than £300,000 per week.
Sterling spent recent weeks weighing offers from clubs across England and Europe before opting for the Dutch side, who currently sit second in the Eredivisie under manager Robin van Persie, the former Manchester United and Arsenal striker.
Speaking after the move, Sterling said becoming a free agent allowed him to carefully choose his next step and hold detailed talks with coaches about how he would fit into their plans. He added that discussions with van Persie convinced him Feyenoord was the right environment to thrive and that playing abroad presents a new challenge he is eager to embrace.
Feyenoord trail league leaders PSV by 17 points, but van Persie believes Sterling’s experience and match-winning ability can help close the gap and strengthen their push for UEFA Champions League qualification. The Dutch coach described securing the winger’s signature as a major achievement and expressed confidence he will become a valuable addition as the club pursues its goals in the second half of the campaign.
Reports indicate roughly 18 clubs showed interest in Sterling, with the chance to compete in a strong league, contribute to Feyenoord’s European ambitions, and the manager’s clear vision all influencing his decision.
The transfer brings an end to a turbulent spell at Chelsea. After arriving from Manchester City in July 2022 as a cornerstone signing for a new era, Sterling played 59 of 76 Premier League matches across his first two seasons under four different managers. Following the appointment of Enzo Maresca in June 2024, he was loaned out after being deemed surplus to requirements.
That loan stint proved underwhelming, and he was later placed on the club’s transfer list. Now, the winger heads to the Netherlands seeking to revive his form and make a strong impact in a new league, a challenge he says he is fully ready to take on.
Elijah Adeyemi
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