Former Premier League forward Saido Berahino has embarked on a new chapter in his football journey by signing with Rajasthan United, a club competing in India’s second-tier I-League. This marks the 31-year-old’s tenth club in his career, a journey that has seen him traverse continents in search of stability and success.
From Premier League to India: Saido Berahino Signs with Rajasthan United in I-League
Berahino, who once lit up the Premier League with his goal-scoring prowess at West Bromwich Albion, has spent the past few years plying his trade outside England.
After leaving Stoke City in 2019, the Burundi international ventured to Europe, where he donned the colors of Belgian clubs Zulte Waregem and Charleroi before moving to Cypriot side AEL Limassol.
Saido Berahino has signed for Rajasthan United in India’s second division 🇮🇳✍️
The streets will never forget 2014/15 Berahino 🫡 pic.twitter.com/s6yTNiEOoz
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) August 23, 2024
Despite these varied experiences, Berahino’s career has been marked by inconsistency, and the move to India represents both a fresh start and a significant gamble.
At Rajasthan United, Berahino will be expected to lead the line and provide the cutting edge needed to propel the club into India’s top flight for the first time in its history.
For a player who was once touted as one of England’s most promising talents, this is a far cry from the heights of the Premier League. Yet, Berahino remains optimistic about this new adventure.
“This move is about more than just football; it’s about challenging myself in a completely different environment,” Berahino shared in an interview.
“I’ve had my ups and downs, but my passion for the game has never wavered. Rajasthan United has shown great faith in me, and I’m determined to repay that trust on the pitch.”
Rajasthan United’s chairman, Krishan Kumar Tak, expressed his excitement over the signing, describing Berahino as a player who can bring invaluable experience and professionalism to the team.
“Saido’s experience in top-flight football is something we’ve been seeking to elevate our squad. His presence will not only strengthen our lineup but also inspire the young talent within our ranks,” Tak said.
Berahino’s career trajectory has been anything but smooth. He burst onto the scene at West Brom with a 20-goal season in 2014-15, earning him a call-up to the England senior squad.
However, a much-anticipated move to Tottenham Hotspur collapsed, and Berahino struggled to regain his form in the subsequent years. His time at Stoke was marred by off-field issues and a prolonged goal drought, which led to his departure from the English game.
Now, as he steps onto Indian soil, Berahino carries with him the hopes of a club looking to make history. The I-League may be far removed from the glamour of the Premier League, but for Berahino, it’s a chance to rebuild and perhaps write a new chapter in his long and winding career.
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