Raheem Sterling has agreed a deal with Eredivisie club Feyenoord, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Sterling left Chelsea by mutual consent last month, having not made a single appearance for the Blues this season.
The former Manchester City and Liverpool forward spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Arsenal, having been told he was surplus to requirements at Chelsea by then head coach Enzo Maresca.
He made 28 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, but scored just one goal while registering five assists.
Now the 31-year-old will attempt to revitalise his career at Feyenoord, who are coached by former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie.
Feyenoord are 17 points behind runaway leaders PSV Eindhoven at the top of the Eredivisie.
The Rotterdam club were knocked out of the Europa League after finishing 29th in the league phase. In addition, they also suffered a second-round loss to Heerenveen in the KNVB Cup.
While there are no remaining chances for Feyenoord to win silverware this season, a move to De Kuip could turn out to be ideal for Sterling at this stage in his career.
Why Feyenoord could be a perfect fit for Sterling
Feyenoord offer Sterling the chance to play for one of the most famous names in Dutch football, in a league that should suit his style of play.
Regular game time is the priority for Sterling after he was cast out as a member of Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’. He should get it at Feyenoord and may benefit from being away from the Premier League spotlight.
Playing for a team that is consistently near the top of the Eredivisie, Sterling should have ample opportunity to recover match fitness and rediscover some kind of form.
And, though they are no longer in Europe this season, the major carrot for Sterling if he remains with the club on a long-term basis is the prospect of Champions League football.
Should Feyenoord finish in the top two, they will go straight into the league phase of next season’s Champions League.
They are a point ahead of surprise package NEC Nijmegen and three points ahead of arch rivals Ajax in fourth, with 12 games still to play.
Playing for a coach in Van Persie who boasts a deep understanding of English football and will be very familiar with Sterling, it could be a match made in heaven.
Feyenoord’s game with Go Ahead Eagles on Sunday may come too soon for Sterling, with their subsequent league fixture against Telstar on February 22 a more likely date for his debut.