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Raheem Sterling’s career has been stalling since his £50m move from Manchester City to Chelsea in 2022, and his decision to drop into Dutch football this past February was meant to be the spark that finally got him going again
With his Chelsea contract mutually terminated after a forgettable loan spell at Arsenal – where he managed just one goal in 28 appearances – the former Liverpool man arrived at De Kuip looking for regular minutes and a fresh environment.
It hasn’t worked out that way. Three months on from his switch to Robin van Persie’s side, Sterling is still searching for his first goal in Feyenoord colours, having drawn a blank in all six of his appearances since his debut against Telstar.
He has registered just one assist, in a 2-1 win over Excelsior, and his performances on the left flank have been picked apart by the Dutch press, with several outlets questioning whether the 31-year-old still has the legs to operate at the level he once did.
Sterling is expected to leave Feyenoord this summer with the Dutch outfit not planning to offer him a contract extension.
With PSV already wrapping up a third straight Eredivisie title and Feyenoord’s season fizzling out, it begs the question as to what is next for the former Liverpool winger.
The Telegraph’s Dominic King has reported that Sterling wants to remain in Europe, and that Serie A is his most likely destination:
“He will be without a club again this summer but, having spent time living in a city-centre apartment in Rotterdam, the appeal of living on the Continent is huge and teams in Serie A are expected to register their interest.”
A move to Italy would represent another reinvention for a player who, not so long ago, was one of the most feared wide forwards in European football.
Whether Serie A’s slower, more tactical rhythm suits a Sterling now visibly short of the burst that defined his Anfield and City days remains to be seen — but at this stage of his career, any club willing to take a punt may be the lifeline he needs.