Five Chelsea players John Terry could sign for Al Shabab including forgotten defensive duo

Chelsea legend John Terry is reportedly 'on the verge' of becoming the new manager of Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab.

The role would be Terry's first in senior management, having had spells at Aston Villa and Leicester as an assistant to Dean Smith.

Terry, one of the greatest centre-backs of the Premier League era, would be following former England team-mate Steven Gerrard to Saudi Arabia should he take the role.

Gerrard, who is in charge of Al Ettifaq, has already taken advantage of his connections to Liverpool by convincing former Reds captain Jordan Henderson to join the club.

And with Chelsea still possessing an overly large squad under Mauricio Pochettino, it is feasible that several of their squad players could join up with Terry in Saudi Arabia.

Here are five Blues players the former England captain could target.

Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku is currently out on loan at Serie A giants Roma, having reunited with his former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.

He signed a new contract at Stamford Bridge following his departure, containing a release clause of £37 million.

That could make him a good option for Terry and Al Shabab - if Roma don't swoop in and buy him first.

Hakim Ziyech

Hakim Ziyech almost sealed a move to PSG in January, but Chelsea failed to send the required paperwork before the European transfer window closed.

It was a bitter blow for the Morocco international, who was out of favour in the first half of last season - and spent most of the rest of it on the bench after the move fell through.

The 30-year-old is currently out on loan at Galatasaray, but may be another desperate for a permanent move next summer. That is where Terry and Al Shabab could come in.

Malang Sarr

Malang Sarr's Chelsea career was perhaps summed up when, after being asked about his whereabouts in a press conference last month, Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino didn't seem to know who he was.

A promising centre-back prior to joining the Blues on a free transfer in 2020, reports claim he earns £100,000-per-week at Stamford Bridge.

But the Frenchman hasn't played for Chelsea since May 2022, spent last season on loan at Monaco - where he was largely injured on the bench - and is now nowhere to be seen this term. A move could be exactly what the 24-year-old needs.

Marc Cucurella

The signing of Marc Cucurella from Brighton was part of Todd Boehly's slightly serene first summer of spending - compared with what was to come.

The Spain left-back was identified as competition for Ben Chilwell on the left side of defence, but often found himself playing centre-back and hasn't pulled up too many trees when played in his natural position.

Cucurella now seems like a forgotten man at Stamford Bridge amid a wave of new additions, although Manchester United were reportedly interested in him this summer.

Another season where he sees little playing time could be the catalyst for the defender to seek a Saudi Pro League move.

Ian Maatsen

Chelsea agreed a loan deal with Burnley for Ian Maatsen on deadline day, which would have allowed the Clarets to buy the Dutchman for £31.5 million next summer.

But the 21-year-old turned down the move, telling Burnley boss Vincent Kompany that he wants to fight for his place.

While he was impressive in the Championship, in an attacking sense, last term, Maatsen will be keen to prove he can handle the step up to the Premier League.

If next summer, Pochettino decides that he isn't ready, Maatsen could decide to move on - and Terry could give him a call.