By Jeff Carlisle, U.S. Correspondent
USL side Las Vegas Lights FC has confirmed it has an interest in signing eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt, but his wage demands are prohibitive.
Bolt has been linked with teams in Australia, Turkey, Hungary and the U.S., though a source from MLS said the league had “no interest” in signing the legendary Olympic sprinter.
In terms of other American leagues, that would leave the second tier USL, which unlike MLS has its players sign with individual clubs instead of the league. Bolt is reportedly set for a trial with Australian side Central Coast Mariners and now it appears that Las Vegas is among the clubs to have made an inquiry.
“Of course we have an interest in Usain Bolt. Why wouldn’t we?” said Las Vegas owner and CEO Brett Lashbrook.
“He’s the world’s fastest guy and he’s trained at some of the best clubs in the world. To come play Division 2 soccer in the U.S. actually makes all the sense in the world. This guy is an absolute specimen of an athlete and we think he could absolutely succeed at the USL level.”
Las Vegas may have interest, but it seems highly unlikely that Bolt would be willing to play there. His salary demands are several multiples higher than Las Vegas’ total payroll. The Lights are also in their first season in the USL, and currently reside in 13th place out of 17 teams in the league’s Western Conference.
“Any coach in any sport who says they wouldn’t like the opportunity to work with the world’s fastest man at his prime, would just be flat out lying to you,” added Lashbrook.
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