MIAMI-
David Beckham is poised to confirm on Wednesday that he will own a team in Miami, boosting further his global profile and that of Major League Soccer.
It has been one of the worst-kept secrets in world football that the former England star intends to exercise his option to buy an MLS club and wants to bring it to Miami, with the plan contingent on a deal for a privately funded stadium, US media report.
The former midfielder, 38, who made his name at Manchester United and later played for Real Madrid, AC Milan and LA Galaxy, is to hold a press conference on Wednesday at an art museum in downtown Miami, at which he is expected to announce details of the team.
The MLS said there would be “a significant announcement impacting the Miami community,” with Beckham joined by MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
The team will be ready for action in 2016 or 2017, the Miami Herald said.
Beckham was given the opportunity to purchase a team at a discount, reportedly $25 million, as part of the 2007 deal that lured him to play for the Galaxy.
His investment group in the deal includes Bolivian billionaire Marcelo Claure and British businessman Simon Fuller.
Confirmation of the superstar’s latest move to boost so-called “Brand Beckham” has been anticipated for months, but it has been held up reportedly by trouble finding a suitable site in the city for a stadium that would hold in the region of 25,000 spectators.