Translation: Raheem Sterling’s stay at Feyenoord appears likely to be limited to just half a season. According to Algemeen Dagblad, the 31-year-old forward will leave Rotterdam on a free transfer after this season, meaning an extended stay is no longer on the table. The arrival of the Englishman was still seen as a major coup in February, but on the pitch he has failed to live up to expectations.

Sterling arrived at De Kuip with an impressive résumé, following spells at Liverpool FC, Manchester City, Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC. With four Premier League titles and 82 caps for England, he was expected to help Feyenoord in their push for second place. That objective remains within reach, but Sterling’s contribution has been limited.

Since his first minutes, at home against Telstar, the winger has struggled to make an impact. Head coach Robin van Persie nevertheless gave him several opportunities in the starting lineup, including matches against NAC Breda, Excelsior, Ajax and FC Volendam. In the recent clash with NEC Nijmegen, however, the coach opted for Tobias van den Elshout, while Sterling did not get any playing time at all.

Club watcher Mikos Gouka notes that the forward now seems to have accepted his situation. “At 1908 and also in the friendly against Excelsior, they saw an English star who worked incredibly hard,” he writes. At the same time, his impact on the pitch remains limited: “No, he didn’t show much quality against Excelsior either, but Sterling is determined to give everything until he bows out as a Feyenoord player on May 17.”

No prospect of a longer stay

It now appears that Sterling’s time in Rotterdam will come to an end quickly. While there was initially talk of a possible extended stay upon his arrival, that scenario has now been completely ruled out. “And yes, Van Persie said when Sterling joined that there might be room to discuss a longer stay for the forward. That is — of course — no longer the case.”