Feyenoord
Raheem Sterling signs short-term Feyenoord contract to rebuild career
Raheem Sterling joins Feyenoord on a short-term deal as he seeks to revive his stalled career today.
Raheem Sterling has ended a brief spell as a free agent by signing with Feyenoord until the end of the season. The move follows a difficult period in England that included a failed loan at Arsenal last season and no competitive appearances so far this term.
Sterling has been training with Chelsea’s U21s in recent months and will need time to regain full match sharpness. The 31-year-old’s reputation suffered after his move from Manchester City to Chelsea in 2022, and his record at Stamford Bridge — 19 goals in 81 appearances — underlined the struggles he experienced in west London.
His loan at Arsenal did little to reverse that slide. He registered just a single goal in 28 appearances while seldom used by Mikel Arteta, and the short-term move to the Netherlands represents a fresh path.
“As a free agent, I’ve had, for the first time in a long time, the opportunity to control the next step,” said the England international on completion of his Feyenoord switch. “In my career. I wanted to take my time to speak with clubs and their head coaches to better understand the role they envisioned for me and ensure that I can add real value in this next chapter.
“Having spoken in great detail with Robin [van Persie], I’m confident that Feyenoord is a place I can be happy and establish myself as a valued member of the team. Playing abroad is a whole new challenge for me—and one I’m ready to embrace. Honestly, I’m just excited to get started.”
At Feyenoord he will work under Robin van Persie, the ex-Manchester United and Arsenal striker, and the move offers Sterling a chance to reinvigorate a career that has dipped in recent seasons. Away from the intense scrutiny of the English media, he can attempt to rediscover form in the Eredivisie and potentially benefit from a slightly reduced standard of competition.
Reports suggested Sterling had preferred to remain living in London for family reasons, and BBC Sport said 18 clubs across England and Europe showed interest before he opted for Feyenoord.
