Legendary former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry is being considered as a potential successor to Rob Page as Cymru manager.
Henry, who has managed Monaco and Montreal Impact, currently leads France’s Under-21 side and is preparing to coach the Olympic team in Paris next month.
The 46-year-old has a connection to Wales, having earned his coaching badges with the Football Association of Wales (FAW).
The FAW dismissed Page last Friday after three-and-a-half years in charge, following Wales’ failure to qualify for Euro 2024.
The governing body intends to take its time appointing a successor, with no fixtures scheduled until Wales begin their Nations League campaign at home against Turkey in September.
Some FAW officials are keen to hire a high-profile name, similar to their appointment of former Wales and Manchester United captain Ryan Giggs in 2018.
Henry would be an even higher-profile appointment, given his status as one of his generation’s greatest players and his prominence as both a television pundit and France’s Under-21 coach.
Although the FAW might not be able to offer Henry as substantial a salary as other national associations, they believe their financial constraints may not be a barrier, as he would still be able to maintain his lucrative media and sponsorship work while managing Wales.
This was the case with Giggs, who balanced his time between various business and commercial interests and his managerial duties.
Henry had an illustrious playing career, winning two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and numerous individual honours during a prolific spell at Arsenal, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer. He also won two La Liga titles and the Champions League with Barcelona before embarking on a coaching career that has included roles as an assistant with Belgium and head coach positions.
Speaking on BBC Wales’ Elis James’ Feast of Football podcast, former Wales striker Robert Earnshaw said: “I spent some time with Thierry on the coaching course a couple of years ago because he was on the Welsh FA course. He knows [FAW chief football officer] David Adams and the set-up, and he understands Welsh football. The one thing that stood out when I was sat with Thierry was his football brain is brilliant.
“With France Under-21s and the Olympic team, he understands young players. He would raise the bar and the level. I don’t know whether he would want it. I could see someone like Thierry doing it. His football brain is brilliant, he’s so sharp, advanced and has got great ideas.”
