Raheem Sterling’s future at Feyenoord is already in jeopardy just nine weeks after he signed for the club, according to Dutch reports.
The 82-cap England international, 31, joined the Eredivisie giants on a free transfer in early February a few weeks after having his £325,000-per-week contract ripped up by Chelsea.
Sterling had endured a torrid spell at Stamford Bridge that saw him exiled to former manager Enzo Maresca’s ‘bomb squad’, and he was forced to train away from the first team for over six months after dramatically sliding down the pecking order.
Joining Robin van Persie’s Feyenoord offered an opportunity for Raheem Sterling to reignite his career, but it appears the former Manchester City star’s latest career move has already turned sour.
According to Rotterdam newspaper AD and Dutch media outlet Sportsnieuws, Sterling has ‘no future’ at Feyenoord despite only playing six matches since his arrival on February 12.
Although Sterling was viewed as a ‘gamble’ by the Dutch club due to his faltering form and fitness over the past few seasons, Feyenoord reportedly viewed the four-time Premier League winner as a ‘dream’ signing prior to his arrival in Rotterdam.
Raheem Sterling’s future at Feyenoord is already in jeopardy according to Dutch reports
Since joining Robin van Persie’s side in February, Sterling has failed to score a goal
Fans are reportedly calling him ‘Raheem the Dream’, mocking his slow start at Feyenoord
It was hoped that Sterling, whose contract expires at the end of June, would help Feyenoord in their title battle against PSV towards the back end of the season, but the forward’s contribution – according to Dutch media – has been ‘shameful’.
Feyenoord are now 19 points behind the runaway leaders in the Eredivisie race, and Sterling has contributed zero goals and a single assist during his 333 minutes for the club.
Viewed by Feyenoord fans as the ‘weakest link’ on the pitch, supporters have reportedly started calling the Chelsea flop ‘Raheem the Dream’ ironically in the stands, unimpressed by his glaring lack of output.
In the player’s defence, Sterling is still working to get back to full match fitness after a significant period without first-team football – although reports in the Netherlands suggest Feyenoord have already made up their minds over his long-term future there.
Feyenoord boss Van Persie, 42, came out in defence of Sterling after he was ridiculed online following an underwhelming debut, insisting that the footballer needed time to build match sharpness and acclimatise to his new surroundings.
Sterling was benched by the former Manchester United and Arsenal forward during Feyenoord’s 1-1 draw at NEC on Sunday, opting for 19-year-old youngster Tobias van den Elshout on the left flank instead of the seasoned ex-England international.
Speaking on his decision after the match, Van Persie revealed that Sterling was suffering from a minor ache, playing down suggestions he had been dropped.
Prior to his Feyenoord move, Daily Mail Sport reported that the Englishman had received interest from at least 18 clubs in Europe’s top leagues.
The Chelsea flop was benched by Van Persie during Feyenoord’s 1-1 draw at NEC on Sunday
He is still working to get back to full fitness after over six months without first-team football
Extensive discussions with Van Persie over his role at Feyenoord, complete with assurances of regular game time, convinced him to sign a deal until the end of the season.
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.’
