Raheem Sterling’s Rotterdam Reboot, From Premier League Millions to a Fresh Start at Feyenoord
After months without competitive football and a dramatic wage cut, the former England winger makes his long awaited debut in the Eredivisie and begins a new chapter under Robin van Persie.
Raheem Sterling Makes Feyenoord Debut After Months on the Sidelines
There are moments in a footballer’s career when the roar of a new crowd carries both expectation and redemption. For Raheem Sterling, Sunday in Rotterdam was one of them.
The 31 year old came off the bench to make his debut for Feyenoord, his first competitive appearance since May 2025. Introduced after 61 minutes with the Dutch side leading Telstar 2-1, Sterling helped see out the contest as it finished by that same scoreline.
It was a modest cameo, yet symbolically significant. After months without match action, the former England international was back in the arena.
Sterling’s Return to Competitive Football Since May 2025
Sterling’s previous outing came on loan at Arsenal on the final day of last season’s Premier League campaign. Since then, the winger has endured a period of uncertainty, culminating in his departure from Chelsea by mutual consent.
Speaking to ESPN after his Feyenoord debut, Sterling was candid about his current condition.
“I have not played for a little bit but I have been trying to keep fit. I am building one step at a time and trying to get to match fitness.”
It was the language of a seasoned professional who understands that rhythm, sharpness and timing cannot be replicated in isolation. They must be earned under the floodlights.
Feyenoord’s Belgium Training Camp and Work Permit Delay
Before Sunday’s appearance could even materialise, there was an unusual logistical twist.
Sterling was unable to train or play in the Netherlands immediately due to a pending Dutch work permit. In response, manager Robin van Persie relocated the club’s training base to Tubize in Belgium, approximately 137 kilometres from Rotterdam.
The move allowed Sterling to integrate with his new team mates while the administrative process ran its course.
Van Persie explained that one of the primary reasons for the shift was to ensure Sterling could train fully with the squad. It was also, he noted, an opportunity to work on team culture and cohesion.
Sterling himself viewed the Belgian trip as invaluable.
“It was a great introduction. The trip to Belgium was one for myself, a very good one to get integrated with the boys and know your team mates.”
For a player arriving mid season, that bonding period may prove crucial in the weeks ahead.
Why Raheem Sterling Chose Feyenoord After Interest From 18 Clubs
When Sterling became a free agent in January, there was no shortage of suitors. Sources indicated that around 18 clubs across England and Europe expressed an interest.
The winger took his time.
After careful discussions regarding role, expectations and environment, he opted for Feyenoord, signing a short term contract that runs until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
“I am here for a new experience, a new challenge. It is now maintaining that consistency and reaching our targets.”
For a player who has represented Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, the Eredivisie presents fresh terrain.
Feyenoord, 16 time Dutch champions, currently sit second in the table, 14 points behind leaders PSV. The title race may be steep, but European qualification and domestic momentum remain very much in play.
Raheem Sterling Wage Cut: From £325,000 a Week to £22,742
The numbers tell their own story.
At Chelsea, Sterling earned a reported £325,000 per week after signing a five year contract in 2022, making him one of the highest paid players in the Premier League.
At Feyenoord, his base wage is approximately £22,742 per week, around €26,346. It is a dramatic reduction and a clear financial reset.
This move is less about remuneration and more about relevance.
Sterling now ranks as the 23rd highest paid player in the Eredivisie. Three Feyenoord players earn more, including Anel Ahmedhodžić, Sam Steijn and Hwang In beom. By contrast, PSV’s Serginio Dest currently tops the wage list in Dutch football.
For Sterling, the pay cut underlines the seriousness of his commitment. This is a football decision.
England Future: No Contact With Thomas Tuchel
Despite earning 82 caps and scoring 20 goals for England, Sterling has not featured for the Three Lions since 2022.
He confirmed that he has not spoken to England head coach Thomas Tuchel since completing his move.
Whether this Dutch chapter can reignite his international prospects remains to be seen. At 31, time is not unlimited, yet experience and pedigree carry weight.
What Sterling’s Move Means for Feyenoord
For Feyenoord, this is a calculated gamble with potentially significant upside.
If Sterling rediscovers even a portion of the explosive form that defined his peak years at Manchester City and Liverpool, the club gains a player capable of altering matches in tight spaces.
His debut against Telstar was steady rather than spectacular. That is to be expected. Match fitness takes time. Confidence builds with minutes.
What cannot be questioned is his hunger. After months on the periphery, Raheem Sterling is back competing.
In Rotterdam, a new chapter has begun.