Feyenoord set to release Raheem Sterling at the end of the season
Former England international Raheem Sterling is set to leave Feyenoord this summer after struggling for form and fitness in the Netherlands.
The 31-year-old winger joined the Eredivisie club three months ago following the mutual termination of his contract at Chelsea.
However, his short-term stint under the management of former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has failed to meet expectations.
The four-time Premier League champion has managed just six league appearances, registering a solitary assist and failing to score a single goal.
Struggles for fitness and form
Sterling was notably left on the bench as an unused substitute during Feyenoord’s recent league fixture against NEC Nijmegen.
Reports in the Netherlands indicate the Rotterdam-based club will not offer a contract extension when his current deal expires at the end of the campaign.
Despite the player earning a relatively modest base wage of £23,000 per week, the Dutch outfit are dissatisfied with his overall impact on the pitch.
Algemeen Dagblad reporter Mikos Gouka heavily criticised the former Manchester City forward’s recent contributions.
He was described as “an English celebrity who worked incredibly hard… but didn’t show much quality.”
Van Persie demands more quality
Feyenoord head coach Van Persie had previously highlighted the need for the experienced attacker to rapidly improve his physical conditioning.
Following a 1-1 draw with Ajax in March, the manager withdrew the forward after just 55 minutes of action.
“Those two worlds need to align sooner rather than later,” Robin van Persie stated regarding the player’s natural ability and match fitness.
“We are working on that, where the most important thing is winning matches during this period of Raheem getting fitter and fitter.”
“So I do respect and acknowledge where he is coming from, but at the same time, we have to deliver as a club.”
The Dutch tactician also publicly demanded a greater impact both in and out of possession from the veteran winger.
This impending departure means the ex-Liverpool academy graduate will enter the upcoming summer transfer window as a free agent once again.
