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Reports of Melbourne Victory’s audacious bid to lure Socceroos superstar Harry Kewell to the Hyundai A-League may prove to be unfounded, but if the move eventuates, it could be a massive boost for Australian football.
No-one can question the talent of the 32-year-old, and he showed at the Asian Cup that he still has much to offer the game.
He would undoubtedly be the star attraction of the A-League, bringing fans through the turnstiles and instigating a flurry of interest from potential sponsors.
However, I believe that there are a few factors that should be considered by his possible A-League suitor’s and fans, which include:
Financial demands
During his time at Liverpool, Kewell was often lambasted by supporters for his huge wages, which they felt were largely undeserved. After leaving for Turkey in 2008, it was estimated that he had cost the club an average of $241, 128 per game.
According to an article in The Sydney Morning Herald, Kewell was approached by the Melbourne Heart before their inaugural season last year, but demanded a contract of $2.5 million per year, plus a beach house, two luxury cars, a percentage of gate takings and even a say in picking the team!
No A-League club could afford such ridiculous demands.
Kewell and his management have made it clear in the past that money is important, therefore he would be highly unlikely to accept a large wage cut, particularly if he is being offered substantially more by Queens Park Rangers or other cashed-up European clubs.
Injury proneness
Having played just 138 matches throughout his five years at Liverpool, and also struggling at times during his stint with Galatasaray, signing Kewell for such big money would be somewhat of a risk.
Though the warmer conditions in Australia might help prevent recurrences of the soft tissue injuries that have caused him so much trouble, the physicality of the A-League could prove to be too much for his fragile body.
His high status and wage demands means that other clubs will target him. The last thing potential A-League suitor’s need is for their very expensive signing to be sitting on the bench for long periods at a time.
Age
Many fans initially agreed that it would be the perfect scenario for our aging overseas stars to return home to play before retirement beckoned. However, the performances of John Aloisi, for example, has also led to some arguing that it would be more worthwhile to pursue younger, cheaper targets.
Aloisi became Sydney FC’s marque signing in 2008 and largely failed to live up to expectations. If Kewell struggled to perform in the A-League, it could reopen the debate over signing former heroes.
Passion
Even when he was playing in the English Premier League, Kewell’s commitment was often questioned by fans. Liverpool supporters, in particular, often described him as fat and lazy.
If he comes back to Australia, only to disrespect the league through a lack of hunger and spirit, he could tarnish his reputation and embarrass those who fought hard to win his signature. However, with his eyes apparently set on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, it would be unlikely for Kewell to return to his home country looking for an easy ride.
Personally, I would love to see Harry playing in the A-League. It would be fantastic. However, a deal should only be made if it is within the best interests of a particular club. If his financial demands or intentions are questionable, the risk is far too great.
The future of the current A-League clubs is more important than signing a Socceroos hero.
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