LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 08: John Terry of Chelsea puts on the captains armband during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge on May 8, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Chelsea star set to receive the Premier League’s worst contract
John Terry is set to leave Chelsea, but he’ll still get paid
Chelsea haven’t had a lot of use for John Terry this season, but the English defender isn’t quite ready to retire yet. Fortunately, Bournemouth still believe he’s capable of performing at a very high level.
That’s the only logical reason they’d be willing to offer him a two-year deal worth a reported £130 thousand per week. Perhaps Terry has some incriminating photos of Eddie Howe. The idea that the Cherries are set to make Terry their highest paid player is absolutely insane.
We’re talking about a 36-year-old defender who’s played a grand total of seven matches for Antonio Conte this season. The Italian manager happens to know a thing or two about defense. The Blues’ stingy back line is a huge reason why they’re taking home the Premier League title this season.
I’m sure Howe’s explanation for wanting to sign Terry has something to do with adding a veteran with outstanding experience to stabilize his back four. There is value in adding experience to a relatively unproven squad. There’s also value in adding a centre back who’s still able to play football at an adequate Premier League level.
In reality, I’m not even sure Terry is an upgrade over Howe’s current centre back pairing. Steve Cook has arguably been the club’s best player this season. At just 26 years of age, he certainly has his best football in front of him. Admittedly he hasn’t had a very consistent partner, but Simon Francis could very well be a better player than Terry is at this point in their respective careers.
The real winner in this is John Terry’s agent. He’s managed to frighten Bournemouth into an outrageous contract offer. Perhaps the English defender does have a lucrative offer in from the Chinese Premier League, but it’s clear that’s what the Cherries are bidding against. No other English club would offer Terry a contract anywhere near that amount.
Eddie Howe can win the press conference when John Terry signs this summer, but his contract will quickly become a millstone for the Cherries. The former Chelsea captain will be laughing all the way to the bank this summer.
