Cashed-up Gold Coast United say star striker Shane Smeltz’s departure is a big loss but have promised to “go to the shop and get another Golden Boot”.
The A-League club announced on Tuesday that the Kiwi international had left to hold talks with Turkish club Genclerbirligi, just weeks after walking out on a deal with Chinese Super League team Shandong Luneng and returning to the tourist strip.
Smeltz – the top scorer in the past two A-League seasons – is believed to be on his way to Turkey to undergo a medical examination before completing a two-year deal with the club.
Asked what it was like to lose a Golden Boot winner, United coach Miron Bleiberg told Fox Sports: “I will go to the shop and buy another Golden Boot.
“Look, it’s an enormous task but I have the full faith in our young players.
“What we will miss in experience, slickness and quality we might get with pace, determination and whoever we get as a replacement.
“One king went, maybe another king will come.”
Owned by billionaire Clive Palmer, United have already been linked to some big names this season.
Bleiberg last month reportedly offered a $1 million a season deal to French World Cup winner Robert Pires while compatriot David Trezeguet and Real Madrid’s Raul were allegedly once on the shopping list.
Bleiberg expected the Smeltz deal to be completed within 72 hours.
“I assume so. I think he was smart enough after that experience in China, to make sure he is protected from all angles,” he said.
“For his sake I would like to think it is a deal done.
“Unless he finds what he was promised is not what he is going to get if you know what I mean.
“It is what everyone expected. For us it is a big loss but not big news.”
United chief executive Clive Mensink added: “Naturally, we will be sorry to see Shane go, but we are pleased that he may now be able to pursue his dream of playing with a major overseas club.
“He has been the subject of constant transfer speculation since he returned from China, but to his credit has remained focused on his job at Gold Coast United, which was illustrated by his tremendous performance in Wellington recently.
“If this transfer is completed we wish him all the very best for the future.”
Genclerbirligi already have one former A-League player on their books, former Central Coast Mariner Mile Jedinak.
“Gold Coast United’s owner, Clive Palmer, CEO Clive Mensink and (coach) Miron Bleiberg have all been fantastic with me since I returned from China and I would like to place on record my sincere thanks for everything they have done and all their support,” Smeltz said.
“Genclerbirligi are a stable club who play in a strong competition and I’m looking forward to holding discussions with them over the next couple of days.”
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