Rotterdam is set to become a temporary home for former England international Raheem Sterling, who has completed a surprising move to Dutch side Feyenoord. The 31-year-old winger joins the Eredivisie runners-up as a free agent after reaching a mutual agreement to terminate his contract with Chelsea earlier this year.
A New Chapter in the Netherlands
The transfer, confirmed on February 12, 2026, sees Sterling link up with Feyenoord’s head coach, Robin van Persie. While the pair never shared a pitch as teammates during their playing careers, the opportunity to learn under the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker clearly appealed to Sterling. He expressed his satisfaction with the move, stating he was convinced Feyenoord was the place where he would be “happy and also a valuable member of the squad.”
Sterling’s departure from Chelsea marked the end of a three-and-a-half-year spell at Stamford Bridge, where he scored 19 goals in 81 appearances following his transfer from Manchester City in the summer of 2022. His time in London was punctuated by a loan spell with Arsenal last season, a move that ultimately failed to reignite his career.
From Premier League Star to Eredivisie Hope
The move to Feyenoord represents a significant shift for Sterling, who has spent his entire professional career in the English Premier League. He arrives in Rotterdam with a decorated resume, having won league titles with Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal, as well as numerous other trophies. He also boasts 82 caps for the England national team, last appearing for the Three Lions at the 2022 World Cup.
However, Sterling’s recent form has been a concern. His last appearance for Chelsea came in May 2024, and his loan spell at Arsenal failed to produce the impact expected. The opportunity to play regularly and rediscover his form under Van Persie will be crucial for the winger.
Van Persie’s Vision for Sterling
Robin van Persie expressed his delight at securing Sterling’s signature, even after the Dutch transfer window had closed. “We see of course fantastic that we have managed to sign a player of Raheem’s caliber,” Van Persie said. “His footballing resume speaks for itself: he is a player whose qualities can absolutely make the difference in a match and I am convinced that he will help us achieve our goals in the latter half of the season.”
Feyenoord currently sits second in the Eredivisie, trailing league leaders PSV Eindhoven by a significant 17 points. While a title challenge may be a long shot, Sterling’s arrival provides a significant boost to the team’s attacking options and could help them secure a Champions League spot for next season.
A Calculated Risk for Both Parties
The deal represents a low-risk, high-reward scenario for Feyenoord. Signing Sterling on a free transfer allows them to add a player of considerable quality without a significant financial outlay. For Sterling, the move offers a chance to rebuild his career in a less demanding league and work with a highly-regarded coach in Robin van Persie.
Sterling himself acknowledged the importance of carefully considering his next move, stating, “Thanks to my free transfer status, I had the opportunity for the first time in a long time to carefully consider the next step in my career. I took my time and spoke with several clubs and their head coaches. This was to fully understand the role they envisioned for me and to ensure I could truly add value at a new club.”
The winger also highlighted the appeal of playing abroad for the first time, adding, “Playing abroad is a completely new challenge for me – and one that I am happy to embrace. I am very much looking forward to getting started.”
Sterling’s debut for Feyenoord could come this weekend against Go Ahead Eagles, providing fans with their first glimpse of the former Premier League star in Dutch colors. The move marks an intriguing new chapter in Sterling’s career, and one that will be closely watched by football fans across Europe.
