Raheem Sterling joins Feyenoord to revive career after Chelsea exit

The 31-year-old winger joins the Dutch side as a free agent following the mutual termination of his contract with Chelsea in January, despite having 18 months remaining on a contract reportedly worth more than 300,000 pounds per week. Sterling has not featured in a competitive match since May 2025 after falling out of favour at Stamford Bridge.

"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," Sterling said. "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, 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."

The Rotterdam-based club are currently second in the Eredivisie standings, 17 points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven, and view Sterling as a key addition in their push for Champions League qualification.

Head coach Robin van Persie hailed the signing as a major coup.

"Naturally it's a fantastic feat that we've managed to convince a player of Raheem's calibre to sign with us," he said. "His football resume speaks for itself. He's a player whose qualities can change the outcome of a game without a doubt."

Sterling, who has earned 82 caps for England, arrives with extensive top-level experience and will aim to revive his career during the remainder of the campaign.