Steven Caulker, the former Premier League defender, has finally found a new club in Turkey after a two-month job search on LinkedIn. The 32-year-old, who had a successful career in the Premier League with Tottenham and Liverpool, became a free agent in May after leaving Spanish fifth-division side Malaga City, where he served as player-manager. Looking for his next opportunity, Caulker turned to the job advertising website LinkedIn to offer his services as a player-manager, just as he did in Spain.
Fortunately, Caulker’s search paid off, as he has recently been announced as the newest addition to Turkish second-division side Ankara Keciorengucu. The defender confirmed the news himself by posting a picture of himself wearing the club’s jersey on social media. Ankara Keciorengucu also released a statement on Twitter, welcoming Caulker to the club and expressing their hopes for his success in their purple-white jersey.
Caulker’s career in professional football began in 2009 when he came through the ranks at Tottenham. He later had successful spells at Cardiff and Queens Park Rangers before going out on loan to Liverpool and Southampton. Although his international career was limited, with only one appearance for England, Caulker made an impact by scoring on his international debut in a friendly against Sweden in 2012.
This is not Caulker’s first time playing in Turkey, as he has previously had stints with Alanyaspor, Fenerbahce, Gaziantep, and Fatih Karagumruk. His experience in Turkish football, coupled with his Premier League pedigree, will undoubtedly be an asset to Ankara Keciorengucu as they aim for success in the second division.
Caulker’s journey to finding a new club highlights the changing landscape of job searches in the world of professional football. While traditional methods of player scouting and recruitment are still prevalent, Caulker’s use of LinkedIn demonstrates the increasing reliance on technology and social media platforms in connecting players with clubs. This shift may open doors for other players who are seeking opportunities but may not have the same network or connections as more established professionals.
Overall, Caulker’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination required in the world of professional sports. Despite facing setbacks and being without a club for months, Caulker’s perseverance and proactive approach ultimately led to him finding a new team. His journey also sheds light on the evolving methods of player recruitment and highlights the importance of utilizing digital platforms and networks in the modern footballing landscape. As Caulker embarks on this new chapter in Turkey, fans will be eager to see how his experience and skills contribute to Ankara Keciorengucu’s success in the second division.