Sterling joined the Dutch club in February after Chelsea tore up his contract, which had been paying him £325,000 per week, following a period of prolonged exile under Enzo Maresca. He signed a short-term deal at Feyenoord on vastly reduced terms, hoping to rebuild his form and confidence ahead of the World Cup.
It did not go to plan. Sterling played eight times across the season, accumulating 333 minutes, and contributed one assist. He failed to score. Dutch publication Algemeen Dagblad confirmed that Feyenoord have no intention of extending his stay, with the club internally labelling the collaboration a failure.
Head coach Robin van Persie defended Sterling against what he described as excessive cynicism in the Dutch media, speaking after the 31-year-old's final appearance of the season.
"He was unlucky at times. But there were also a number of times where he was in a good position. Personally, I struggle with the cynicism surrounding him. I think respect is more appropriate. He has scored 200 goals in England and played 82 international matches. And that is regardless of whether you think he plays well or not. But I think the way we handle this as a footballing nation is really very bad."
Feyenoord finished second in the Eredivisie, 19 points behind champions PSV Eindhoven, and have qualified for next season's Champions League. Sterling's contract expires at the end of June, leaving him without a club for the second time in four months.