KSI buys shock English club and makes immediate promise
KSI has confirmed that he has agreed a deal to purchase a sixth-tier club in the English pyramid, making a promise to the fans.
The British YouTuber, 32, has made a name for himself as one of the biggest stars on social media, creating gaming and sports content for for over 15 years.
During his rise in popularity, KSI - real name Olajide Olatunji - has been involved in major sporting events, including the Baller League and his own boxing career.
But it's now been confirmed that he is taking this a step further, as he has agreed a deal in principle with Dagenham & Redbridge to join the National League side’s ownership group.
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In a post on social media site X, he wrote: “I’m so excited to start this journey. It’s gonna be a rollercoaster for sure but I hope to bring Dagenham and Redbridge … back to the glory days."
He added: "For those of you that are OG fans (Race to Division One), you’ll know that this is a full circle moment for me. So join me on this exhilarating adventure and I’ll see you all at Victoria road this Saturday! I’ll be streaming too haha”.
According to a report from The Athletic, Olatunji will take over minority 20 per cent stake in the sixth-tier club, with the deal subject to approval from the National League.
In a video following the announcement, KSI said: “I am buying Dagenham & Redbridge football club. Just the idea of it, just excites me so much.
“Years ago I saw the excitement, the happiness, the joy … I want to bring that back and then surpass it. With this club, I want to do the unthinkable. I want to take Dagenham & Redbridge to the Premier League.
“It’s obviously going to take time but I’d say realistic stage is to get out of this league and entering the National League."
Aware of the response the announcement may make, the YouTuber spoke directly to fans, promising that he will be approachable and accountable as one of the club's owners.
“I know to some of you it might be scary, me being one of the owners. Bit I’m reachable, you can literally tweet me and I’ll see it … I’m approachable," he claimed.
KSI's purchase of a stake in Dagenham & Redbridge is just the latest in a major overhaul of club's ownership group in recent months.
In February, U.S.-based investment consortium Happy Fan Group purchased the club, appointing former player Anwar Uddin as chairman.
Meanwhile former Newcastle, Liverpool, and England striker Andy Carroll, who joined Dagenham & Redbridge as a player last year, was announced as a shareholder in the club last week.
Ben McCrum