The fastest man in the world is on the brink of a shocking career move, choosing an Australian competition as his unlikely successor.
Usain Bolt, 31, will trade in his sprint shoes for studded boots should he accept an offer of a six-week intensive trial for A-League club, the Central Coast Mariners.
The 100m and 200m gold medalist has been in communication with the New South Wales club for three months, the Daily Telegraph reported.
The fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt (pictured) is set to trial for A-League club Central Coast Mariners
Bolt (pictured) would likely trial for the football club in mid-August, during pre-season preparations, proving that the move is not a gimmick
While the scale of the deal has not been finalised, the Jamaican star would likely trial for the football club in mid-August, during their pre-season preparations.
It’s a move that would re-shape the Mariners as well as the contentious A-League competition.
Since it’s inception in 2004, the competition has fought – and struggled – to develop international standing.
The signing of Usain Bolt would beat the hype that surrounded Alessandro Del Piero joining Sydney FC in 2012.
It would also share similarities with Jarred Hayne’s adventure in the NFL who through perseverance proved his move was not a gimmick.
The news comes after Mike Phelan, a former Manchester United coach, was appointed as the Mariner’s sporting director.
Bolt (pictured) retired from athletics last year after he cemented his success as the fastest man in the world with eight Olympic gold medals and eleven world titles
The signing of Bolt (pictured) would re-shape the Central Coast Mariners as well as the A-League competition which has had mixed reviews since its 2004 inception
It is understood that Phelan, who worked closely with Sir Alex Ferguson for over 19 years, would be closely involved in Bolt’s trial and potential season.
Bolt retired from sprinting last year after he cemented himself as the fastest man on the world with eleven world titles.
The eight-time Olympic gold medalist had grown up playing football and cricket before focusing on his athletic career.
This would not be the first time Bolt has aimed for a professional career as he has already trialled at Borussia Dortmund in March and Stromsgodset last month.
The German and Norwegian teams, respectively, did not offer Bolt a contract for the trials.
‘I want to try to get better, to work as hard as I can, play as much as I can. Maybe a club will see something and decide to give me a chance,’ Bolt said.
Bolt (pictured) grew up playing cricket and football in his home country, Jamaica, before focusing on his athletic career
Bolt (pictured) has already trialled for two European teams – Borussia Dortmund in March and Stromsgodset last month
It is understood that sports agent Tony Rallis had other clubs interested in sourcing Bolt for a trial but Mariners proved to be the most organised and serious in their negotiations.
‘We’re all stakeholders in the game and there’s no doubt the A-League is stagnating,’ Rallis said.
‘After the season we had, we need a signing with benefits for the whole competition.’
Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp said the club did appropriate research before organising the trial.
Mielekamp said they received good feedback from Germany and Norway who said Bolt was a good learner who showed improvement every session.
‘This is a very real football opportunity, this is not a stunt or gimmick – we want to know if Usain can play. If he can, let’s light up the A-League and bring one of the biggest named athletes in sport to the Central Coast,’ he said.
Staff at the Central Coast Mariners have embraced the plan for Bolt to trial as CEO Mielekamp labels it as a ‘real football opportunity’ not a stunt or gimmick