Rio Ferdinand has helped build one of football’s most successful agencies.
But Ferdinand and New Era chief executive Jamie Moralee have turned down the chance to go into business with basketball legend LeBron James.
US giant United Talent Agency held takeover talks with highly-respected agent Moralee who co-founded New Era while ex-England and Manchester United star Ferdinand is an ambassador and client of the company.
UTA took over Klutch Sports Group which was co-owned and founded by LA Lakers star James and his agent pal Rich Paul and, together with basketball stars, they wanted to move into English football having expanded into the NFL.
But New Era, which is one of the fastest growing sports agencies, turned down the approach as they look to expand their own business. Moralee said: “They are a fantastic company and it was a pleasure to meet with them. But it’s not for us at the moment.”
New Era has got the likes of Michael Keane, Max Aarons, Ben Godfrey, Mason Holgate, Jacob and Josh Murphy on their books as well the likes of Robbie Savage, Ashley Williams and Reshmin Chowdhury in the media.
New Era are among several leading football agencies to be targeted by US companies as they see English football as a big opportunity. ICM acquired Stellar, WMG continues to expand and Jay Z ’s Roc Nation is trying to get a bigger foothold in European football.
Meanwhile, Arsenal prospect Charlie Patino, 18, looks set to join the New Era stable as his agent Mark Gottlieb - who has several outstanding young players on his books - is in advanced talks about a merger. Gottlieb would then become a senior executive at New Era.
Ferdinand was raving about Patino on BT Sport’s coverage of Arsenal’s live match with Manchester City on New Year’s Day.
Tuchel to give Chelsea a break
Thomas Tuchel is planning to give his Chelsea squad a full week off during the winter break.
Blues boss Tuchel complained this week the gruelling fixture list has left his players both “mentally and physically” tired and gave them two days off this week ahead of the derby with Tottenham on Sunday.
The winter break will come as a rude shock to some fans but, after Sunday’s game, Chelsea do not have another game until Plymouth in the FA Cup on Saturday, February 5.
Some clubs will still expect their players to report in for training to keep ticking over but Tuchel wants his players - or those not involved in AFCON or the South American qualifiers - to get as much of a rest as possible.
Chelsea players will soon be thrust back into action with Premier League fixtures, the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi, FA Cup, Champions League and Carabao Cup final all on their schedule.
Sky receive Covid rebate
Sky Sports reclaimed millions from their Premier League TV deal during lockdown with games being played behind closed doors.
One of the factors in trying to get games on rather than get postponed must be to keep the paymasters happy and the North London derby was the first Super Sunday game to bite the dust.
Premier League bosses were adamant the postponement rules would not be changed and then, three days later after pressure from rival clubs, they announced they would be reviewed.
Clearly, a midweek game might not attract such a big audience when it is rescheduled and that might impact on advertising and marketing revenues. Will Sky ask for another rebate? They were contacted for comment.
Drogba set for executive role
Didier Drogba, one of the Premier League’s all time greats, looks set to become one of the first ex-players to break the mould and move into becoming a football executive.
Chelsea legend Drogba is doing UEFA’s Executive Master for International Players which is a 20 month course aimed at helping former players move into careers off the pitch and perhaps might start a trend for those who move into management, coaching or being an agent.
Instead, Drogba will not be short of offers if he looks to become a sporting director or fulfilling a similar role as his name and reputation is already catching the eye of big clubs.
