Former Chelsea star Raheem Sterling joins Feyenoord | OneFootball

Chelsea parted ways with Raheem Sterling during the recently closed winter transfer window, ending his proposed five-year stay at Stamford Bridge early.

The former Chelsea winger has now found a new landing spot, joining Feyenoord as a free agent (per Fabrizio Romano), a surprise transfer move.

The Blues had been trying to get him and his mammoth salary off their books for some time. He had not featured for the club in over a year.

Sterling managed only 19 goals and 15 assists in 81 appearances following his £47.5 million arrival in 2022.

He was meant to be a ceiling raiser, but failed to deliver the goods.

The England international (82 caps) will now hope to revive his career in the Eredivisie.

He could enjoy a new lease of life playing in a very attack-oriented division as Feyenoord bid to keep pace with table-toppers PSV Eindhoven.

Sterling’s difficult spell at Stamford Bridge ultimately became a cautionary tale for Chelsea’s ownership and recruitment model.

Committing huge wages and long-term expectations to an experienced star who failed to deliver consistently left Chelsea with limited financial flexibility.

Being stuck with an underperforming 31-year-old on a substantial salary proved a step too far for the hierarchy, forcing them to reassess their entire transfer philosophy.

In response, Chelsea pivoted aggressively toward a youth-first strategy, focusing on signing players with long-term potential and resale value rather than established names.

While this approach has helped reduce wage pressure and build for the future, it has also created fresh challenges.

The lack of proven senior figures has occasionally left the squad short of leadership and consistency during crucial moments.

Sterling’s transfer, therefore, represents a strategic overcorrection that continues to shape Chelsea’s identity and competitive balance today.