Raheem Sterling joined Feyenoord in February, but has failed to have a big impact with his new club
Raheem Sterling during the Dutch Eredivisie match between NEC and Feyenoord.
Raheem Sterling was an unused substitute for Feyenoord in their last game(Image: Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Raheem Sterling’s time at Feyenoord will reportedly not be extended beyond this season. The winger signed for Feyenoord in February, following his exit from Chelsea.
But the former Liverpool star is yet to impress in his new surroundings, with his future up in the air again. He was heavily criticised by the Dutch media following a 0-0 draw with FC Volendam earlier this month.
He has also left manager Robin van Persie frustrated. After taking Sterling off during the draw against Ajax last month, the former Manchester United and Arsenal striker said: "Those two worlds need to align sooner rather than later.
“We are working on that, where the most important thing is winning matches during this period of Raheem getting fitter and fitter. So I do respect and acknowledge where he is coming from, but at the same time we have to deliver as a club.
"We have to end up second, as simple as that. I believe that he’s making steps in terms of fitness, in terms of what he delivers. At the same time, I want to see more impact off the ball, more impact on the ball.”
It now seems that Van Persie’s patience has run out. After starting the last four league games, Sterling was on the bench for the Eredivisie draw against NEC Nijmegen, and didn’t make it onto the pitch at all.
He was replaced in the line-up by Tobias van den Elshout, with the Dutch media claiming that he is ‘making his presence felt’. It’s added that a decision has already been made not to extend Sterling’s contract beyond the summer.
Feyenoord currently sit in second place in Eredivisie, but are 19 points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven. The club are back in action on Saturday when they host Groningen (3.30pm kick-off).
Raheem Sterling during the Dutch Eredivisie match between FC Volendam and Feyenoord.
Raheem Sterling has struggled in his first few games with Feyenoord(Image: Joris Verwijst/Soccrates/Getty Images)
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Speaking about his move to Feyenoord, Sterling said: “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 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.
“Honestly, I’m just excited to get started. To Feyenoord, thank you for your patience and professionalism as I navigated this process.”
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