Chris Smalling will only join a new club if it’s ‘the right kind of project’ as he plots what could be the final act of his playing career.
Smalling is a free agent and back in the UK having departed Saudi club Al-Fayha, where he made 67 appearances.
Speaking exclusively on talkSPORT Breakfast, the 36-year-old revealed clubs from a variety of leagues have made their pitch to sign him.
However, he is in no immediate rush to put pen to paper.
“At the minute, there’s conversations ongoing,” Smalling said.
“I’ve had some offers, so I feel like I’m in a good position.
“But at my stage in my career, it’s now about being patient, making sure it’s the right kind of project that fits everything in terms of my role in the team and what I can bring on and off the pitch.
“I’m in a nice position and just kind of seeing where that lies over the next couple of weeks.”
All the Small things
Whoever lands Smalling will get one of the most experienced centre-backs available.
The 36-year-old has over 580 appearances to his name at club level, the bulk of which were made representing Manchester United.
Smalling was on the Red Devils’ books for nine years, where he won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, a League Cup and the Europa League.
Plenty has happened at Old Trafford since Smalling departed in August 2019, with the club now managed by one of his former teammates, Michael Carrick.
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The midfielder initially returned to his old stomping ground as interim boss until the end of the 2025/26 campaign following Ruben Amorim’s sacking.
However, Carrick turned around United’s fortunes completely and guided them to a third-place finish, securing a return to Champions League football.
The remarkable run of results prompted United to hand Carrick the managerial reins on a two-year deal and he has already made his stamp on the squad, with Youri Tielemans joining from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea for a combined £85million.
Mic drop
Given the positive atmosphere surrounding the club since Carrick’s return, Smalling believes there is ‘no one better steering that ship’ than his former teammate.
“I’m so happy to see Carra just thriving,” Smalling said.
“Having played with him, you know what kind of character he is. He’s composed and intelligent and he’s bringing that into one of the biggest jobs in world football.
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“I think the run they had at the end of last season, they were number one in points taken.
“For him to have a full pre-season and bring in whoever he likes in terms of players and have that belief, there’s no-one better steering that ship.”
