‘Don’t Sit on the Sidelines’: Jonjo Shelvey Tempts Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba to Arabian Falcons

Dubai: The transfer deadline has passed, yet the future of some highly accomplished footballers remains unclear. Karim Benzema, a 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, is the biggest free agent this summer. Benzema recently left Al Hilal on mutual consent and is now receiving an offer from Arabian Falcons, a UAE-based club. Other notable names like Paul Pogba, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Philipe Coutinho, Jamie Vardy, and more have received invitations to join the club.

Arabian Falcons, founded in 2023, are currently managed by Jonjo Shelvey, a former Liverpool and Newcastle United player. Shelvey, who joined the club as a midfielder in 2025, takes on the role of manager following his retirement earlier this year. In his letter to free agents, Shelvey urges them not to sit on the sidelines and join the club in Dubai for an open-ended stay, promising a tax-free earnings and a five-star lifestyle.

The club has a history of success, having won the league during their debut season in the 2023-24 UAE Third Division League. Now in the second tier, Shelvey and other club officials are personally inviting the big names to join them. Jason Puncheon, co-owner of Arabian Falcons, warns that most former Premier League players lose their spark while idle.

Sporting Director Harry Agombar and team captain Ravel Morrison also encourage the players to join the club. If the big names accept the offer, Arabian Falcons could see a significant improvement in their performance as the 2026-27 season begins with a 2-0 win against For Gentos FC.