Jonjo Shelvey joins third-tier Middle Eastern side as ex-England international heads abroad again

Former Newcastle United and Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has signed with the Arabian Falcons, a third-tier side from the United Arab Emirates, as a free-agent. The former England international had been without a club since July after Buenley allowed his contract to run out at the end of their Championship campaign. This will be Shelvey's tenth senior club.

Jonjo Shelvey joins third-tier Middle Eastern side as ex-England international heads abroad againJonjo Shelvey joins third-tier Middle Eastern side as ex-England international heads abroad again

The , a side that was formed in 2023, confirmed on Friday that they had completed the signing of former star Shelvey. The 33-year-old returned to after a stint in Turkey, as he signed a six-month deal with in January 2025. However, the Clarets decided against an extension, and after a failed move to City, he remained a free agent.

Shelvey has already made his debut with the Arabian Falcons on Saturday, as they played their UAE third-tier league match. This was the Englishman’s first official game since February, when he played 10 minutes off the bench in a 4-0 win over .

Shelvey started his senior career at Athletic, where he played 49 games before making a major move to . After three years with the Reds, he made a move to . He followed the pattern and left for Newcastle after three years, where he played until the summer of 2023. He then played for four clubs over two years, including the Burnley spell.

Shelvey’s storied Premier League career has turned him into one of those footballers who never really reached the elite level but will always be remembered by fans for his glorious moments.