The Pride of London
Fansided

Paul Clement eyes a Chelsea reunion by luring John Terry to Swansea

By George Perry

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: John Terry of Chelsea celebrates scoring his sides first goal with Kurt Zouma of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Watford at Stamford Bridge on May 15, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: John Terry of Chelsea celebrates scoring his sides first goal with Kurt Zouma of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Watford at Stamford Bridge on May 15, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Swansea manager Paul Clement is entering the pursuit for John Terry. With Claude Makelele recently appointed to the Swans’ permanent staff, the Welsh side would carry on Carlo Ancelotti’s legacy from Chelsea.

For a 36-year old, John Terry is attracting his share of suitors in the upcoming transfer window. Bournemouth and West Bromwich Albion are already linked with Chelsea’s departing captain. Swansea City are now in the mix, with two Chelsea alums offering a unique enticement for Terry.

Swansea manager Paul Clement will likely approach Terry soon after the season concludes. Having ensured his club will remain in the Premier League next year, Clement will wait until Terry concludes his Chelsea career before making an approach.

"I’m going to get this season done, and he’s obviously got a lot on himself… I will have a conversation with him. I’ve known him a long time. – SkySports"

Clement coached at Chelsea for 11 years across two separate spells. In his second span with the club he rose from U-16 coach to first team coach under Carlo Ancelotti. Clement helped guide Chelsea to the domestic double in Ancelotti’s first season.

Related Story: Chelsea duo linked with tempting Bournemouth switch

Clement followed Ancelotti to Paris-Saint Germain, where former Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele had transferred in 2008. Clement would have had minimal contact with Makelele at Chelsea, as Clement was working with the Reserves when Makelele left the Blues. At PSG, though, the trio of former Chelsea men secured the club’s first Ligue 1 title in nearly 20 years.

After retiring as a player Makelele joined Clement on Ancelotti’s coaching staff at PSG. Makelele stayed in Paris when Ancelotti and Clement went to Real. Makelele and Clement each had brief spells as head coach – at Bastia and Derby County, respectively. Clement rejoined Ancelotti at Bayern Munich before taking over at Swansea City in January.

Claude Makelele was one of Clement’s first hires, and that move is about to become permanent. John Terry’s familiarity with Clement and Makelele would make him an easy fit at Swansea. Carlo Ancelotti shaped the careers of each man. That mutual understanding and Terry’s consistency in the Premier League would create a unique legacy for Ancelotti at the Welsh club.

The line of succession and loyalty from Ancelotti to Clement and Makelele could also entice Terry as he prepares for his coaching career. Clement understands the value of promoting from within his clubs and his locker rooms. He worked his way up at Chelsea before hitching on to Ancelotti. He then helped Makelele’s transition into coaching. John Terry would be a strong addition to this line.

Next: Diego Costa leads early line for first simulation sanction

Terry is open about his plans and ambitions to coach, eventually back at Chelsea. Swansea City could offer him a blended role as player-coach over the next two seasons, before moving him full-time onto the staff. He could then coach at Swansea – either on the first team under Clement or in the development pipeline – before his inevitable return to the Blues.

Home/Chelsea FC Transfer Rumours