John Terry is ‘set for sporting director role in Saudi Arabia’ as the Chelsea legend prepares to leave Europe and join Pro League strugglers Al-Shabab
- The five-time Premier League winner is set to move to Saudi Arabia
- John Terry will become sporting director at Pro League side Al-Shabab
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John Terry is set to become the latest Englishman to seek out footballing opportunities in Saudi Arabia as he prepares to become a sporting director in the nation, according to reports.
The former Chelsea and England captain will take up his new position as the head of Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab on a short-term basis as he pursues a first role outside Europe.
Terry rejected the chance to become the struggling Saudi side’s next manager in favour of a senior position where he will help offer advice and oversee different areas of operations, as reported by Sports Zone.
The 42-year-old has been working within Chelsea’s academy set-up after leaving his position as assistant manager to Dean Smith during the tail-end of Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League last season.
Interest from Saudi Arabia has grown over recent months and a breakthrough in discussions has led to Terry agreeing to take up the position within the Middle East.
John Terry is reportedly set to become sporting director at Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab
Terry will leave England to seek out a directors role at the struggling Saudi Pro League outfit
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport president Muhammad Al-Munjam shares a relationship with Terry and held early talks with the five-time Premier League title holder.
Al-Shabab have ambitions to grow and establish themselves amongst the Saudi Pro League’s elite and believe Terry can help implement new ideas and strategies that he has learned throughout his playing and coaching career.
One of Terry’s first jobs will be seeking out a new first-team manager for Al-Shabab
Since retiring as a player Terry (right) has held assistant coaching positions at Villa and Leicester
They are searching for a new permanent manager with Argentinian Juan Brown currently in interim charge and it is understood one of Terry’s first tasks will be helping to recruit for the role.
As a mark of respect for the dedication and loyalty showed to Chelsea over the years, the West London club will reportedly allow him to leave his role in the youth set-up for Saudi Arabia.
Terry won five Premier League titles and the Champions League while at Chelsea, becoming one of only six players to make over 500 appearances for the club.
However, Terry’s imminent appointment marks another missed opportunity for him to take a first step into a managerial role. He has already worked as an assistant but is yet to become a head coach.
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