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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 great fanfare in February but has struggled to live up to sky-high expectations during a difficult short stay.
Rotterdam exit threatens for winger
Feyenoord and Sterling will part ways when the current Eredivisie campaign ends in May. The England international has failed to secure a regular starting place at Rotterdam South, accumulating just 333 minutes of league action since his high-profile arrival on a short-term deal.
According to Algemeen Dagbladthe winger has accepted his peripheral role and remained professional in training, yet his underwhelming results have forced the club to abandon any plans for a longer stay.
Van Persie changes attitude
While head coach Robin van Persie initially suggested a contract extension could be discussed, the club’s hierarchy have since ruled out that possibility.
Sterling showed a strong work ethic in training and a recent friendly against Excelsior, but his lack of quality at the top level made a permanent deal impossible.
Reflecting on the finality of the winger’s impending departure, the report from A.D stated: “In 1908 and also in the friendly match against Excelsior, they subsequently saw an English celebrity working extremely hard. No, he didn’t show much quality against Excelsior either, but Sterling is determined to give everything until he says goodbye as a Feyenoord player on May 17. And no, Van Persie said that the attack is open to Sterling – it can be open to Sterling. Of course – no longer the case.”
Battles for rhythm in the Eredivisie
The 31-year-old struggled to find his rhythm after a period of inactivity in London, leading to a frustrating lack of influence on the pitch. Therefore, Sterling is likely to play a maximum of four more times for the club before his official farewell in mid-May.
The Champions League race is at stake
Feyenoord face a demanding run-in against Groningen, Fortuna Sittard, AZ Alkmaar and PEC Zwolle to secure a top-two finish in the Eredvisie.
While the UEFA rankings fluctuate, the top two Eredivisie teams will still qualify directly for the 2026-27 Champions League stage, with third place going into the qualifying rounds.
Van Persie’s second-placed side hold a narrow one-point lead over NEC and two over FC Twente, leaving Sterling with very little time to reclaim his place and make a farewell impact.
