Raheem Sterling has officially completed his transfer to Feyenoord, marking his first move outside of English football after a turbulent spell at Chelsea. The 31-year-old winger signed a contract with the Dutch club running until the end of the 2025-26 season on February 12, 2026, as a free agent after mutually terminating his Chelsea contract in January.
The move represents a fresh start for Sterling, who had not played a competitive match since May 2025 after falling out of favor at Stamford Bridge. Sterling chose Feyenoord after 18 elite European clubs expressed interest in the four-time Premier League champion.
Table of Contents
Raheem Sterling’s Transfer Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Transfer Date | February 12, 2026 |
| Previous Club | Chelsea FC |
| New Club | Feyenoord Rotterdam |
| Contract Length | Until June 30, 2026 |
| Transfer Fee | Free transfer |
| Previous Weekly Wage (Chelsea) | £325,000 per week |
| Contract Terminated | January 2026 (mutual) |
| Settlement Package | Over £300,000 per week (18 months) |
Career Statistics and Achievements
| Achievement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 31 years old |
| International Caps | Multiple for England |
| Premier League Titles | 4 (Manchester City) |
| Clubs Represented | Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal (loan), Feyenoord |
| Playing Position | Right winger/forward |
| Last Competitive Match | May 25, 2025 (Arsenal vs Southampton) |
| Interested Clubs (Feb 2026) | 18 clubs across top four European leagues |
Why Feyenoord?
Sterling had numerous options to choose from, with reports indicating that 18 clubs across England and Europe expressed serious interest. Elite Italian clubs Juventus and Napoli held discussions with the winger. Premier League sides including Everton, Fulham, West Ham, and Tottenham Hotspur also pursued the England international.
However, Sterling ultimately chose Feyenoord, primarily due to manager Robin van Persie’s role in convincing him. Van Persie, a former Manchester United and Arsenal striker, presented a clear usage plan for Sterling and offered the opportunity to play regularly in a competitive league while helping the club achieve Champions League qualification.
Sterling stated, “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.”
Chelsea’s Exit and Settlement
Sterling’s exit from Chelsea came after the winger had not played a competitive match since May 2024 for the Blues. He spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Arsenal, where his performances were equally limited. Upon returning to Chelsea, he was deemed surplus to requirements and trained away from the club’s first-team squad.
The mutual agreement between Sterling and Chelsea required a settlement package covering the remaining 18 months of his contract, worth over £300,000 per week. This substantial financial commitment reflected Chelsea’s willingness to move forward and Sterling’s determination to find a new competitive outlet.
Feyenoord’s Squad Impact
Feyenoord currently sit second in the Eredivisie table, 17 points behind league leaders PSV. The Rotterdam club viewed Sterling as a transformative signing capable of strengthening their offensive capabilities and assisting in Champions League qualification.
Van Persie expressed confidence in the signing, stating: “His football resume speaks for itself: he’s a player whose qualities can change the outcome of a game without a doubt. 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.”
Gradual Integration Plan
Due to Sterling’s extended absence from competitive football, Feyenoord planned a careful integration into training to prevent injuries. The club acknowledged that Sterling would require time to regain match fitness and acclimatize to the Eredivisie’s intensity before becoming available for selection.
Sterling’s first expected appearance was scheduled for Feyenoord’s match against Go Ahead Eagles on February 15, 2026, at the De Kuip stadium, though he faced work permit administrative delays that required resolution.
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FAQs
When did Raheem Sterling officially join Feyenoord?
Raheem Sterling officially joined Feyenoord on February 12, 2026, on a contract running until the end of the 2025-26 season.
How much did Feyenoord pay for Sterling?
Sterling joined Feyenoord as a free agent after agreeing to a mutual termination with Chelsea. The transfer fee was zero, as he was available without cost.
Why did Sterling choose Feyenoord over other interested clubs?
Sterling chose Feyenoord largely due to his confidence in manager Robin van Persie after speaking with him in detail about the club’s vision and role for him. He also prioritized Champions League qualification potential.
How long has Sterling been without competitive football?
Sterling had not played since May 2025 after falling out of favor at Stamford Bridge. He spent the first half of the 2025-26 season training away from Chelsea’s first team.
How many clubs were interested in signing Sterling?
As many as 18 clubs across Europe’s top four leagues expressed interest in signing Sterling as a free agent. He ultimately selected Feyenoord after careful deliberation with multiple clubs.
