Raheem Sterling signs with Feyenoord for the remainder of the season.
Raheem Sterling has signed with Feyenoord through the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
The 31-year-old became a free agent after reaching a mutual agreement to terminate his contract with Chelsea last month.
An insider has informed ESPN that up to 18 clubs from Europe’s top four leagues expressed interest in acquiring Sterling, who was eager to join a team with a strong chance of qualifying for the Champions League and has recently built a positive rapport with Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie.
“As a free agent, I’ve had the opportunity for the first time in a long while to dictate the next phase of my career,” Sterling stated.
“I wanted to take my time to engage with clubs and their head coaches to gain a clearer understanding of the role they envisioned for me and to ensure that I can contribute significant value in this next chapter.
“After having detailed discussions with Robin, I am confident that Feyenoord is a place where I can find happiness and establish myself as a respected member of the team.
“Competing abroad presents a new challenge for me — one that I am prepared to take on. Honestly, I am just eager to begin. To Feyenoord and especially Robin and [general manager] Dennis [te Kloese], I appreciate your patience and professionalism as I navigated this process.”
Sterling had 18 months remaining on his previous contract at Stamford Bridge but negotiated his departure as he sought a permanent move to rejuvenate his career.
He has not participated in a competitive match since May and was training separately from Chelsea’s first-team squad after being considered surplus to requirements.
Sterling has earned 82 caps for England and has secured four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and four League Cups during a career that has included stints at Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal.
Van Persie remarked: “It is undoubtedly a remarkable achievement that we have succeeded in persuading a player of Raheem’s caliber to join us. His football credentials are impressive: he is a player whose abilities can undoubtedly influence the outcome of a match, and I am confident he will prove to be a significant asset to the team as we strive to meet our objectives in the latter half of this season.”
Feyenoord currently sits in second place in the Eredivisie, trailing leaders PSV Eindhoven by 17 points.
