Rio Ferdinand 'looking at Dubai properties and schools' as Man Utd legend considers leaving England with TNT Sports punditry contract on verge of expiry

The former Manchester United and England defender is considering leaving England permanently as he enters the last few months of his punditry contract with TNT Sports. According the Sun, Ferdinand is viewing properties in Dubai and schools for his children to attend. Ferdinand holds emotional ties to the UAE having met his wife Kate in Dubai in 2016 and proposing to her in Abu Dhabi two years later.

A source told the Sun: "It holds a special place in their hearts as that’s where they met and both could easily travel back and forth for their work commitments in the UK.

“As well as his sporting success Rio has a huge business portfolio now and there is lots of potential in the Middle East.”

As Ferdinand's time with TNT Sport looks to be heading towards a conclusion, he is being touted with a number of potential punditry positions. Ferdinand’s management company, New Era, has agreed to a partnership deal with talent group WME, who count Ryan Reynolds amongst their clients and are looking to build plans for the 2026 World Cup. Ferdinand may fancy a chance to offer his insights at the next World Cup in the United States.

Ferdinand will see out the remainder of his deal with TNT Sports and will almost certainly cover the biggest games in the Champions League this season. He will hope to be part of the commentary team again for the final, where last year he famously declared Vinicius Junior as his Ballon d'Or winner.