Plane Reportedly Carrying New Cardiff Signing Emiliano Sala Goes Missing In The Channel

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There is ‘genuine concern’ for Premier League footballer Emiliano Sala, following reports of a plane going missing off Alderney, in the Channel Islands.

The 28-year-old Argentine striker is feared to have been one of two people on board the aircraft – the Piper Malibu – which disappeared near the Casquets lighthouse on Monday night (January 21).

The plane was making its way from Nantes, western France, to Cardiff, Wales.

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A coastguard rescue helicopter, along with crews from Alderney and Guernsey RNLI, joined in with the search which took place in the area around the lighthouse, reports the BBC.

HM Coastguard said they sent two helicopters to assist with the search, despite the fact the disappearance not being in the UK search and rescue area.

A spokesperson revealed they were assisting Guernsey Coastguard with a search for a light aircraft off Alderney:

HM Coastguard helicopters from Solent and Newquay have been helping to search overnight with nothing found.

Conditions worsened for the rescue teams as they scoured the area last night.

Guernsey Police tweeted an update to say the search resumed this morning:

Searching for the light aircraft PA 46 Malibu resumed at 8am this morning. No trace has currently been found

It was en route from Nantes, France to Cardiff, Wales with 2 people

More info when available

*UPDATE*

French authorities have reportedly confirmed Sala was on board the missing plane.

According to ITV,  French journalist Arnaud Wajdzik, who’s based in Nantes, has confirmed both the French police and Nantes Football Club have said Sala was on board.

Cardiff City unveiled the striker as their record transfer signing last Saturday (January 19), after a £15 million move from French Ligue 1 side, Nantes.

Sala is said to have turned down a late offer to play in China, before putting pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year deal at Cardiff, due to his desire to play in the Premier League.

According to the Mirror, Sala returned to France after completing his move, and was due to report for training in Cardiff on today (January 22).

Speaking on Saturday after signing for the Bluebirds, Sala said:

I can’t wait to start training, meet my new team-mates and get down to work. For me it feels special [to be the Club’s record signing]. I have come here wanting to work and to help my teammates and the Club. I can’t wait to get to work straight away and do everything I can.

Sala is the third highest scorer in Ligue 1 this season with 12 goals, behind only Kylian Mbappe and Nicolas Pepe.

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