Chelsea legend agrees ‘STUNNING’ Saudi Pro League move
Robin Bairner
- 7 Sept 2023 06:49 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea legend John Terry is poised to join former England teammate Steven Gerrard in the Saudi Pro League management game, with the ex-Blues captain linked with a move to Al-Shabab.
The Sun reports that the 42-year-old is ready to be handed his “managerial breakthrough” after assistant management roles at Aston Villa, where he finished his playing career, and Leicester City.
The report indicates that talks are in an advanced state and what is described as a “stunning deal” between the Stamford Bridge legend and Al-Shabab has been thrashed out.
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Talks started between the player and the Saudi Pro League club a month ago, and Terry has agreed to a contract that will run at least two years and could last as long as four.
He is presently working with Chelsea’s academy in a consultancy role, but the club will allow him to break a short-term contract in order to take up the post.
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Who are Al-Shabab?
Al-Shabab are not one of the clubs that the Saudi government have focused their spending on. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), which also owns Newcastle in the Premier League, has poured money into Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli.
Nevertheless, the ambition of Al-Shabab is to compete with these new superpowers.
They have already moved to sign prolific striker Habib Diallo from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, but he is their sole marquee signing this summer to date.
On Saudi Transfer Deadline Day, however, there is the possibility of them landing Nicolas Pepe from Arsenal, with a deal for less than €3 million rumoured earlier this week.
Remarkably, Al-Shabab have virtually broken even in the transfer market this summer, showing where they stand in the Saudi Pro League’s pecking order.
Terry will have it all to do if he is to match Gerrard, then.
