Raheem Sterling Feyenoord transfer ends Chelsea spell as winger seeks fresh start under Robin van Persie in Eredivisie

England international Raheem Sterling has signed for Feyenoord after leaving Chelsea by mutual consent in January, ending a challenging spell at Stamford Bridge and opting for a fresh start in the Netherlands.

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The 31-year-old had been a free agent since his departure from Chelsea and, despite receiving multiple offers from clubs in England and across Europe, chose Feyenoord to work under former Robin van Persie, who now coaches the Dutch side.

“As a free agent, I’ve had, for the first time in a long time, the opportunity to control the next step 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,” Raheem Sterling said.

“Having spoken in great detail with Robin, 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,” he added.

Feyenoord are currently second in the Eredivisie, trailing league leaders PSV by 17 points, and are pushing for Champions League qualification.

Robin van Persie welcomed the signing, saying: “Naturally it’s a fantastic feat that we’ve managed to convince a player of Raheem’s calibre to sign with us. His football resume speaks for itself. He’s a player whose qualities can change the outcome of a game without a doubt, and I am convinced he will turn out to be a valuable addition to the team as we work towards achieving our goals in the second half of this season.”

Sources indicate that around 18 clubs were interested in signing Raheem Sterling, who agreed a settlement on the remaining 18 months of his Chelsea contract, reportedly worth over £300,000 per week.

The move brings an end to a disappointing period in west London.

Signed for £47.5 million in 2022, Raheem Sterling managed 19 goals and 15 assists in 81 appearances for Chelsea, failing to feature this season under former manager Enzo Maresca.

He also spent a loan spell at Arsenal, scoring once in 28 matches.

Raheem Sterling enjoyed the most successful phase of his career at Manchester City, scoring 131 goals in 339 appearances and winning four Premier League titles, five EFL Cups, and an FA Cup over seven years.

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The move to the Eredivisie represents a chance to revitalise his career and rediscover the form that made him one of England’s most influential attackers.