Thierry Henry is currently France U21 coach (Photo: Getty)
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has emerged as a surprise frontrunner to become the new Wales manager, according to reports.
The Football Association of Wales are on the hunt for Rob Page’s successor after the 49-year-old was sacked after failing to qualify the team for Euro 2024.
The FAW are content to take their time over the appointment given that the Dragons’ next game is in September against Turkey in the Nations League.
It’s a huge appointment to make, given that the manager will have the task of qualifying Wales for the 2026 World Cup and more importantly Euro 2028 which will be held across the UK and Ireland.
Plenty have been linked with the job, but BBC Sport now report that Henry is among those being considered, with some FAW bosses keen to appoint a big-name manager just like when Ryan Giggs was hired in 2018.
The legendary forward is France U21 boss and currently preparing his side for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
He’s previously had difficult spells in charge of Monaco and Montreal Impact, and served as Belgium assistant manager for several years, helping them finish third at the 2018 World Cup.
Rob Page was Wales boss from 2020 to 2024 (Photo: Getty)
Though Henry likely has more lucrative offers on the table, the FAW believe they can entice the 46-year-old as an international job would allow him to continue his work as a prominent pundit.
One of the best players of his generation, Henry’s trophy haul includes two Premier League titles with Arsenal, the Champions League with Barcelona and the World Cup and Euros with France.
If appointed, Henry, who studied for his coaching badges in Wales, would become the first non-Welsh or English manager of the Dragons.
Other favourites for the job include former Wales assistant Osian Roberts, Burnley caretaker Craig Bellamy, ex-Stoke boss Mark Hughes, and one-time England manager Sam Allardyce.
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