Arsenal Flop Raheem Sterling Signs With Feyenoord, Reunites With Ex-Gunner Robin van Persie

The 31-year-old winger joins the Dutch club on a free transfer after a disappointing loan spell at Arsenal.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Raheem Sterling has signed with Feyenoord in the Netherlands until the end of the season, reuniting with former Arsenal captain Robin van Persie, who is now the club's manager. Sterling's loan spell at Arsenal in 2024-25 was underwhelming, as he made just 7 league starts and 10 substitute appearances with no goals and 2 assists. After returning to Chelsea, Sterling's contract was terminated by mutual agreement in January 2026, making him a free agent. He has now opted for a move abroad to the Eredivisie, where he hopes to revive his career under van Persie's guidance.

Why it matters

This move represents a fresh start for Sterling, who struggled to make an impact during his time at Arsenal. Linking up with van Persie, another divisive former Gunner, adds an interesting dynamic to the story. For Arsenal fans, van Persie's departure to Manchester United in 2012 remains a sore spot, so seeing him now work with a recent Arsenal flop will likely stir up old emotions.

The details

Sterling, 31, signed with Feyenoord on a free transfer after his contract with Chelsea was terminated by mutual agreement in January 2026. He will play under the management of former Arsenal captain Robin van Persie, who is currently the head coach of the Dutch club. During his loan spell at Arsenal in 2024-25, Sterling made just 7 league starts and 10 substitute appearances, failing to score a goal and contributing only 2 assists.

  • Raheem Sterling signed with Feyenoord in January 2026.
  • Sterling's loan spell at Arsenal was during the 2024-25 season.
  • Sterling's contract with Chelsea was terminated by mutual agreement in January 2026.

The players

Raheem Sterling

A 31-year-old English winger who recently signed with Feyenoord on a free transfer after a disappointing loan spell at Arsenal.

Robin van Persie

A former Arsenal captain who is now the head coach of Feyenoord, the Dutch club that Raheem Sterling has joined.

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What they’re saying

“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 I can add real value in this next chapter.”

— Raheem Sterling

“Having spoken in great detail with CEO Dennis te Kloese and Robin, I'm confident 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.”

— Raheem Sterling

The takeaway

This move represents a fresh start for Raheem Sterling, who will look to revive his career under the guidance of former Arsenal captain Robin van Persie at Feyenoord. For Arsenal fans, the reunion of Sterling and van Persie, another divisive former Gunner, is likely to stir up old emotions about van Persie's controversial departure to Manchester United in 2012.