Raheem Sterling lands a new contract with Dutch club Feyenoord, embarking on a fresh European adventure after his Chelsea exit.
When all was said and done, it was a quiet winter transfer window for Chelsea, at least compared to previous windows.
The biggest talking point was Aaron Anselmino being recalled from his loan at German side Borussia Dortmund, before being sent on loan to RC Strasbourg, with Mamadou Sarr going the other way with a recall of his own.
However, the window did see Raheem Sterling have his contract terminated by mutual consent, bringing an end to his stay in West London after three and a half years at the club — a year of which was spent on loan at fellow London side, Arsenal.
Many had left where the winger would go next. Having left Chelsea before the end of the window, he is free to sign for anyone he wishes to as a free agent, even with the transfer window now closed.
Well, he has done just that. On Thursday afternoon, Eredivisie club Feyenoord confirmed they have signed the 31-year-old on a short-term contract until the end of the 25/26 season.
It’s interesting because many reports said that Sterling wanted to stay in London with his family, but he will now be plying his trade abroad for the next three months or so.
Fair play to him. It’s good to see he’s found a new home, even if it’s short-term. There are only 12 more games for Feyenoord this season, having been knocked out of both the domestic cup and the UEFA Europa League. They are also 17 points behind league leaders PSV, so there is not actually a lot to play for.
It’s quite cool and quirky that Sterling will be playing under the management of Robin van Persie, whom he played against when Manchester United played Liverpool in the 14/15 Premier League season. It shows how long he has been playing at the top level.
Although it is not a move to another London side, nor an English club in general, it does make some sense. The Netherlands is not far from the UK, and everyone there can speak English, making it one of the easier countries to settle in as a Brit abroad.
No doubt everyone wishes him well on his adventure over there. It did not work out for him at Chelsea, but it is clear that he is a very nice person, who deserves to be enjoying his football once more. Go well, Raheem.
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