Arsenal almost signed former South Africa manager Clive Barker during his playing days, before a career-ending injury forced him into management.

Barker is probably best known for his achievements with the South Africa national team. He took over in 1994 as manager and led them to their only African Nations Cup title just two years later. He also led the country to their first ever World Cup in 1998 but quit before they could take part in it, after a series of defeats.

Before all that though, Barker first caught the eye as a 17-year-old making his debut for Durban City. According to South African outlet Destiny Man, almost seven years later he’d attracted the attention of Premier League clubs Leicester City and Arsenal, both of whom wanted to sign him.

However, he then picked up a serious injury, in the days before ligament reconstruction, meaning he had to give up on his playing career altogether.

Thankfully, Barker found his new home in management, but he must’ve looked wistfully on as Arsenal won the double in 1971, just two years after he was so close to joining.

Now, the 74-year-old is planning a return to coaching. He is ‘full of hope’ for the local game in South Africa and wants to help craft the next generation of footballers. Good luck to him!