The eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt could be on his way to Australia’s A-League.

Bolt’s agent confirmed on Tuesday the star had agreed to a deal “in principle” with the Central Coast Mariners.

“The deal between the Mariners and Usain Bolt in principle has been agreed, subject to a couple of benchmarks,” Tony Rallis told the Big Sports Breakfast on Tuesday.

“Mainly, a trial, and of course marquee funds support from the FFA. Once the FFA comes back and says that they’ll be part of the process, we’re going to the trial.”

Sydney’s Daily Telegraph earler reported that Bolt, 31, was set for a six-week trial with the Mariners starting next month, with a season-long deal on the table should he make the grade.

Bolt, who attended Sunday’s World Cup final in Moscow, retired from the track after the world championships in London last year. He has since trialled with the German giants Borussia Dortmund and Stromsgodset in Norway.

The Mariners, who finished bottom of the A-League last season, firmed as Bolt’s most likely destination after taking the sprint king’s ambitions seriously, despite several A-League clubs being interested.

“If he’s competitive, he will lift our A-League profile,” Rallis said. “He will create dreams for young people and he will give the A-League a profile no amount of money can buy.



“This bloke’s an ambitious athlete. The A-League needed a hero, and we got superman.



“The owner of Central Coast Mariners [Mike Charlesworth] has put his hand deep in his pocket and guaranteed 70% of the salary.”

Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp told the Telegraph the move was a genuine chance to assess Bolt’s talent.

“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.”

Mielekamp said there was still a lot of work to do on the “surreal” deal, and noted the trial period was extremely important to assess Bolt’s skill level.

“It would only be big if he can play and if he can go really, really well,” he told the Seven Network. “Because if he comes and he’s not up to the level then it actually has a detrimental effect.

“But if he comes and he’s as good as our reports are saying that he can be, then that would be very exciting and I’m sure that this stadium would be pretty full every time we put the boots on.”

Mielekamp said Bolt was an extremely fast learner.

“He’s got a very good left foot and only time will tell what level he’s at, and does that fit the A-League,” he added.

“Apart from him obviously being extremely fast the feedback we have received from Germany and Norway is that he is a very good learner and shows dramatic improvement after every training session.

Early reaction on social media was largely scathing, with football fans labelling the move a “disaster”, “ridiculous” and a waste of money by Football Federation Australia.

Usain Bolt to the Mariners would be a disaster for the A-League. League needs quality foreign talent to aid development. League has stabilised at a good level support wise (despite what media say) - don't go mucking up the quality (important for long term) for nonsense like this. — The Captain (@captaingino4lyf) July 16, 2018

Usain Bolt’s move to the A-League will require the backing of the FFA and it’s marquee fund. Central Coast Mariners reportedly need $900,000 from the FFA to get the deal over the line. [442] #ALeague — Oz Transfer Market (@oztransfers) July 16, 2018

@FFA the FFA does not need to be spending ridiculous money bringing Usain Bolt to the A League. It will add no value at all. A ridiculous and see through gimmick. A League is growing well without him. Bring real football talent to Australia to aide development. — Steven (@Stevenlelli) July 16, 2018

This is why no one takes the A-league seriously — LeisureSuitLarry (@nastycroat) July 16, 2018

Usain Bolt will bring the same credibility to the #ALeague that Andrew Johns brought to T20 cricket — Perry Driver (@_PerryDriver) July 16, 2018