John Terry to join Saudi Pro League side as he finally makes managerial breakthrough in blow to Chelsea
JOHN TERRY is on the verge of joining Saudi side Al-Shabbab to make his managerial breakthrough.
The Chelsea legend has been in talks with the Pro-League club and a stunning deal has already been verbally agreed.
And if it goes through, the one-time England captain will be joining the exodus of Premier League legends moving to the Middle Eastern country.
Terry, 42, was approached by bosses at Al-Shabbab around a month ago and has been offered a contract of at least two years and up to four if it is rubber stamped as expected.
He is currently working on a one year deal as a consultant in the Chelsea academy.
Chelsea have already said they will not stand in his way as a mark of respect to his service to them over almost two decades – even though it will be a big blow to their youth team losing such a figurehead from their camp.
Al-Shabbab is not considered one of the main players in the Saudi League but they have big ambitions.
Bosses there think Terry possesses the coaching credentials and reputation to attract more star names to their club in order to build it up.
He is the most successful player in Chelsea’s history with five Premier League titles, the Champions League and five FA Cups among his trophy haul and played 717 games for them.
After retiring he has been determined to move into coaching and management but has so far been unable to land a senior job.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
He most recently worked under Dean Smith at Leicester and Aston Villa but is desperate to be a coach in his own right.
Terry’s former England team-mate Steven Gerrard is in Saudi working as boss of Al-Ettifaq. Ex-Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler is also there managing Al-Qadsiah.
A string of top name players have also signed up to the Saudi League over the summer with three Chelsea players in N’Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly moving to the Middle East.