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.

Published

3 months ago

February 12, 2026

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.

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Where Marcos Senesi Could Fit: Five Premier League Suitors

Senesi will be a free agent on June 30; his experience and low cost interest several top clubs also.

Published

3 weeks ago

April 15, 2026

We Play FPL

Marcos Senesi will be available on June 30 when his Bournemouth contract expires, and his free agent status makes him an efficient short-term option for clubs seeking defensive depth. The 28-year-old joined England in 2022 following Bournemouth’s promotion and has spent four seasons with the Cherries. Aside from a major hamstring injury that restricted him to 17 Premier League appearances last season, Senesi has generally been a regular starter and has played almost every minute so far in 2025–26.

Senesi’s record in England shows a player capable of surviving the demands of the Premier League. He is not presented as an elite defender but as a dependable squad member whose availability without a transfer fee is attractive to higher-table teams mindful of budgets.

Liverpool could view him as a cost-effective reinforcement. The 2025–26 campaign exposed limitations in centre-back depth at Anfield, and Senesi would be a less expensive alternative to triggering a reported $94.4 million (£69.6 million, €80 million) buy-back clause for Jarell Quansah. He is known to Arne Slot, having played under Slot at Feyenoord in 2021–22, when he made 50 appearances and helped the Dutch club reach the UEFA Conference League final.

Manchester United have reduced centre-back requirements by switching back to a 4-2-3-1 from Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1, yet persistent injuries to Lisandro Martínez and Matthijs de Ligt, the latter sidelined for the past four months, create uncertainty over numbers. When fit, Martínez and De Ligt, or Martínez and Harry Maguire, will start. Senesi could be a pragmatic free signing while resources are prioritised for two or more central midfield additions. There’s even a chance that Andoni Iraola ends up at Old Trafford in time for next season.

At Chelsea, a 28-year-old Senesi would arrive as one of the more experienced figures in an otherwise young defensive group. Chelsea expect to challenge for Premier League and Champions League honours, and there are question marks over Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoît Badiashile, who have been prone to costly mistakes. Trevoh Chalobah often operates alone, while Mamadou Sarr and Josh Acheampong have a combined age of 39 and remain very raw. Senesi’s experience and availability would therefore be of clear appeal.