Raheem Sterling joined Feyenoord in February and the former Liverpool star has struggled since his move to the Netherlands
Former Liverpool star Raheem Sterling will not be offered a new deal by Feyenoord this summer.
Former Liverpool star Raheem Sterling will not be offered a new deal by Feyenoord this summer.
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Raheem Sterling's stint at Feyenoord will reportedly not be extended beyond this campaign. The winger joined Feyenoord in February, after departing Chelsea.
However, the former Liverpool star has struggled to make his mark in his new environment, with his future uncertain once more. He faced sharp criticism from the Dutch press after a 0-0 stalemate with FC Volendam earlier this month.
He has also tested manager Robin van Persie's patience. After substituting Sterling 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.
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"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 appears that Van Persie's tolerance has now been exhausted. Following four consecutive league starts, Sterling was relegated to the substitutes' bench for the Eredivisie draw against NEC Nijmegen, and failed to feature at all.
He was dropped from the starting XI in favour of Tobias van den Elshout, with the Dutch press reporting that he is 'making his presence felt'.
Raheem Sterling during the Dutch Eredivisie match between NEC and Feyenoord.
Raheem Sterling during the Dutch Eredivisie match between NEC and Feyenoord(Image: Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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It has also emerged that a decision has already been taken not to extend Sterling's contract beyond the end of the season.
Feyenoord currently occupy second place in the Eredivisie, yet sit 19 points adrift of leaders PSV Eindhoven. The club return to action on Saturday when they welcome Groningen (3.30pm kick-off).
Reflecting on his switch 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."