TNT Sports are growing increasingly concerned Rio Ferdinand could leave the broadcaster at the end of the season. The former Manchester United and England defender was offered fresh terms six months ago but has yet to sign an extension to his current deal. The 46-year-old has been a key figure for TNT since its inception as BT Sport in 2013. However, there are now fears that he may be looking for new opportunities abroad rather than signing the contract offer that has been on the table for months.
The Daily Mail has revealed that eyebrows were raised at TNT when New Era, Ferdinand’s management company, entered into a partnership with William Morris Endeavor, a well-known American talent agency. It is believed they are focused on securing opportunities for Ferdinand in the United States. A move to the US would make sense considering the 2026 World Cup will be held across the USA, Canada and Mexico next year.
Losing Ferdinand would be a significant loss for TNT, who regularly broadcast games from the Premier League and the Champions League throughout the season.
Ferdinand is a prominent figure in their coverage and also frequently appears for the BBC during international tournaments. Given his experience both on and off the pitch, he would likely not be short of opportunities across the Atlantic in the lead-up to next year’s World Cup.
Ferdinand is now part of a star-studded roster at WME, which includes the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Jessica Alba and Maggie Gyllenhaal, as well as numerous top NBA stars in their sports portfolio.
Although he’s most often linked with Manchester United, Ferdinand also played for West Ham, Leeds and QPR during his illustrious career before retiring in 2015.
In a chat with GQ last year, Ferdinand admitted that he’s always careful to avoid personal attacks now that he’s a pundit, remembering how such incidents affected him as a player.
“The simple guideline I have for myself is to say what you see, be honest and never, ever be personal,” the former defender stated. “And always remember what it was like when you played and people were talking about you.”
This story first appeared on the Mirror
Content Source: www.express.co.uk