Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere is in advanced talks with Norwich City about a potential coaching role at the club. The 32-year-old is said to have agreed to join Johannes Hoff Thorup’s staff at the EFL Championship side, replacing Narcis Pelach as first-team coach at Carrow Road. After discussions with various candidates, Wilshere is believed to be Norwich’s top choice for the role. The club is working on a compensation package to secure his services, and Arsenal is reportedly willing to let Wilshere move on for the right fee. Wilshere already has a good relationship with Canaries sporting director Ben Knapper, with whom he worked at Arsenal.
Wilshere retired from playing in July 2022, following a career marked by injuries that prevented him from reaching his full potential. Despite this, he won two FA Cups with Arsenal and earned 34 senior caps for England. An injury-prone player, Wilshere’s career was plagued by multiple fractures to his fibula, ankle surgeries, and a knee operation. However, coaching has reignited his passion for football, and he has found joy in training, strategizing, and developing players since joining Arsenal’s academy. Wilshere’s glittering performance against Barcelona in the 2011 Champions League exemplified his talent and potential on the pitch.
With his love for the sport rekindled through coaching, Wilshere was linked with head coaching roles at the MLS side Colorado Rapids and Aberdeen. However, a move to Norwich seems imminent, as negotiations between the club, Wilshere, and Arsenal are progressing well. Norwich manager Johannes Hoff Thorup confirmed that they are close to appointing a new coach, and discussions are ongoing between clubs and agents to finalize the deal. While it may be too optimistic for Wilshere to join the coaching staff in time for Norwich’s upcoming match against Stoke City, a deal could potentially be completed by the start of the following week.
Wilshere’s potential move to Norwich marks a new chapter in his football career, as he transitions from player to coach and channels his passion for the game into mentoring young talent. With his experience playing at the highest levels of English and European football, Wilshere brings a wealth of knowledge and skills that could benefit Norwich’s players and coaching staff. As negotiations continue between all parties involved, the football world eagerly anticipates Wilshere’s official appointment and the impact he will have on Norwich City’s coaching setup.
