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Raheem Sterling is set to leave Feyenoord at the end of the season after the Dutch giants reportedly ruled out a contract extension for the former Manchester City and Chelsea winger.
The 31-year-old arrived in Rotterdam to much fanfare in February but struggled to live up to sky-high expectations during a difficult short-term stay.
Rotterdam exit looms for winger
Feyenoord and Sterling will go their separate ways at the end of the current Eredivisie campaign in May. The England international has failed to secure a regular starting place at Rotterdam South, accumulating just 333 league minutes since his high-profile arrival on a short-term deal.
According to the Algemeen DagbladThe winger accepted his peripheral role and remained professional in training, but his disappointing performance forced the club to abandon any plans for a longer stay.
Van Persie changes position
While manager Robin van Persie initially suggested a contract extension could be discussed, the club’s hierarchy have since ruled out the possibility.
Sterling has shown a strong work ethic in training and in a recent friendly against Excelsior, but his lack of top-level quality has made a permanent deal impossible.
Reflecting on the finality of the winger’s imminent departure, the report from ANNOUNCEMENT said: “In 1908 and also in the friendly match against Excelsior, they then saw an English celebrity who worked extremely hard. No, he didn’t show much quality against Excelsior either, but Sterling is determined to give his all until he bids farewell as a Feyenoord player on May 17. And no, Van Persie said upon Sterling’s arrival that a longer stay for the striker could be open for discussion. This is – naturally – no longer the case.
Struggles for pace in the Eredivisie
The 31-year-old struggled to find his rhythm after a spell of inactivity in London, leading to a frustrating lack of impact on the pitch. Therefore, Sterling will likely play a maximum of four more times for the club before his official farewell in mid-May.
The race for the Champions League ends
Feyenoord face a demanding showdown against Groningen, Fortuna Sittard, AZ Alkmaar and PEC Zwolle to secure a top-two place at the Eredvisie.
Even if the UEFA rankings fluctuate, the top two Eredivisie teams will still qualify directly for the 2026-27 Champions League stage, with third place entering the qualifying rounds.
Van Persie’s second-placed side hold a slim lead of one point over NEC and two over FC Twente, leaving Sterling with very little time to regain their place and make a final impact.
