Former Schalke and Newcastle star training with SuperSport United

Former Schalke and Newcastle United defender Bradley Cross has been spotted training with SuperSport United this morning. 

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The South African youth international, Cross, was seen being put through his paces by veteran SuperSport coach Gavin Hunt.

Cross boasts European experience

The now 21-year-old is already a much travelled campaigner with Cross having already featured for high profile academies abroad. The centre back played for both Schalke in Germany and most recently with Newcastle’s u23 side. 

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Cross was usually a key member of both sides, even assuming the captain’s armband at Newcastle fresh on his arrival. It was then perhaps a surprise to see the player not make the grade at the Magpies and eventually get released at the expiry of his contract in the close season. For a player who has been touted to achieve great things abroad, he finds himself at an unfamiliar crossroads now, which has seen him return home.

Could he sign for SuperSport?

According to iDiski Times, Cross is currently training with SuperSport to keep fit, with the prospect of signing for the club, on even a short-term deal not completely ruled out yet. Having spent the past couple of years abroad, he is, however, no stranger to South Africa. Besides having featured for the country at both u17 and u20 age groups, he also featured for academies of Mpumalanga Black Aces as well as Bidvest Wits. Interestingly enough, he was loaned out to Schalke by Wits. 

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It is perhaps no surprise that Cross has found himself under the watchful eye of Hunt, as he was the first team head coach at Wits when the youngster was still in the junior structures. A potential deal until the end of the season may just be the type of move he may need with the guidance of an experienced tactician. It could yet propel the player back into the radar of European teams heading into the next season. Due to his status as a free agent, he is free to sign for SuperSport or any other club outside the transfer window.