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News
Could Chelsea’s John Terry make a shock January move to Bournemouth?
Chelsea captain John Terry is understood to be an ambitious loan target for Bournemouth in this transfer window. According to an article in , Cherries manager Eddie Howe is hoping to persuade the former England skipper to move to the south coast for the remainder of the season. Howe is in the market for a central defender, having seen Nathan Ake return to the Chelsea after Blues boss Antonio Conte exercised an option to recall the Netherlands Under-21 international from his season-long loan deal. Terry, whose contract expires in the summer, has been restricted to only five Premier League appearances under Conte and was sent off in his last outing, in the FA Cup victory over Peterborough.
What would he bring to Bournemouth?
A veteran of 78 England caps and with more than 700 club appearances to his name, Terry would bring a wealth of experience to a club who have struggled defensively since being promoted to the Premier League in the summer of 2015. Terry does not have much pace to speak of, but he has not forgotten the art of defending despite his advancing years. Arguably though, Terry’s greatest strength is his leadership. Bournemouth have often been accused of having a soft underbelly and are sorely lacking a vocal presence that can organise the back four. Terry would be ideal.
Is a move likely?
Howe was able to tempt Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere to the Vitality Stadium last summer on a season-long loan, remember. So it would not be beyond the realms of possibility that he could work his magic again, this time on Terry. The prospect of regular first-team football would undoubtedly appeal to the 36-year-old, whose days at Stamford Bridge are surely coming to an end after two decades. But with another Premier League winner’s medal on the horizon, it would be a shock if he did decide to leave. Such are his ties to Chelsea, that Terry has previously said he could not imagine playing for another club in England.
Verdict
2/10 – Howe is a master of persuasion who has pulled off many coups during his time as Bournemouth manager – but this would rank at the top of the list. There doesn’t seem much logic in Terry leaving Chelsea with six months remaining on his contract and the prospect of another trophy looming large, however. Does his love of playing football trump his love for Chelsea? Probably not. After such a long and distinguished career in west London, to wave goodbye prematurely would be a major surprise.