Saido Berahino has swapped Europe for Asia to join Indian second division club Rajasthan United.
It is the 31-year-old’s fifth club in as many years since he left Stoke in 2019.
2
The former West Brom star spent the last two seasons at Cypriot club AEL Limassol, where he scored four goals in 44 appearances.
Before his time in the Mediterranean, he played for Belgian teams Zulte Waregem and Charleroi.
He also enjoyed a productive loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday in the 2021/22 season, scoring eight times in 29 League One appearances.
And now he is ready to start a new adventure on another continent with his connection to Rajasthan.
He hopes to lead the team into the highest Indian league for the first time in its history.
Berahino shared a photo of himself in Rajasthan’s colours during the I-League championship match on his Instagram story.
The 18-time Burundian international captioned his post with the simple statement: “One goal.”
Rajasthan chairman Krishan Kumar Tak has expressed his delight at bringing the centre-forward to the club.
He said: “We are delighted to welcome Saido Berahino to Rajasthan United FC.
“His experience in top-level football, including over 100 appearances in the Premier League, brings a new level of quality and professionalism to our team.
2
“This commitment is an expression of our ambitions and a clear sign that we are here to compete at the highest level.
“We believe that Saido’s presence will not only strengthen our squad but also inspire our young players and fans across the country.”
Since a move to Tottenham fell through in 2015, Berahino has struggled for consistency in his career.
He had just completed a season in which he had scored 20 goals in all competitions for West Brom – 14 of them in the Premier League.
And Berahino blamed Spurs chairman Daniel Levy earlier this year for thwarting his move to north London.
After Tottenham refused to pay the £30 million the Baggies demanded, the club pulled out of the contract on deadline day and Berahino has not made double-digit profits in a single season since.
In a question-and-answer session on X, Berahino commented on the failed transfer: “True, the payments to Spurs were unacceptable and West Brom wanted £30 million.”
“But Levy would pay £1.5 million and the rest in instalments.”
When asked how close he was to pulling on the Spurs shirt, he replied: “90 percent.”
BECOME PART OF THE DUGOUT
Have your say on all things The Pitch Prospect by joining The DUGOUT – our new listener panel.
We are all about understanding your perspectives and making sure The Pitch Prospect is the best it can be. Your voice is important and we want to hear it!
Contribute your groundbreaking ideas and participate in fun polls, polls and locker room discussions.
By signing up you will be entered into a prize draw to win one of four £50 Amazon vouchers. For each additional survey you complete you will be entered into another prize draw.
To participate in the panel “The DUGOUT”, Click here.
Stay up to date with the latest news, rumours and gossip with our LIVE transfer blog