Former Socceroo Robbie Slater believes there was never really any chance of an A-League club competing with overseas teams for the signature of Tim Cahill.
The midfielder is set to make a switch from Everton to New York Red Bulls after the English Premier League club announced on Tuesday they had agreed a fee, believed to be about STG1 million ($A1.52 million), with the US Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise.
Slater says it’s disappointing from a fan’s perspective that Cahill won’t be heading home after 14 years in England but, with the 32-year-old still able to interest bigger teams overseas, such a move would have been highly unlikely.
“There’s a slight selfish point of view that he’s not coming back to the A-League but fully understandable,” Slater told AAP.
“It was a selfish feeling that quite a few people will have. It’s not a criticism at all – it’s just one of those forlorn hopes, I guess, that maybe he would have come back.”
With the A-League having lost Harry Kewell following the forward’s decision to return to England for personal reasons after one season with the Melbourne Victory, a marquee capture such as Cahill would have been an undoubted boost.
Newly-formed club Western Sydney Wanderers could have been a natural fit for Cahill, who grew up in Sydney’s southwest, although they are believed to still be in the market for Socceroos captain Lucas Neill who is unattached after being released by United Arab Emirates club Al Jazira in June.
The BBC reports Cahill has already agreed personal terms with the Red Bulls, who boast French great Thierry Henry and former Barcelona defender Rafa Marquez on their books, and the move will be confirmed once the Australian passes a medical.
With Cahill chasing a third World Cup appearance in Brazil in 2014, Slater said although it was sad to see the veteran’s long Everton career come to an end, the move may pay dividends for both player and the Socceroos.
Having spent several seasons in England’s top flight during his own career, Slater said the physical demands of the MLS would be far less than those Cahill would experience by staying with Everton, where he became a fans’ favourite following his move from Millwall in 2004.
“Tim’s up for the challenge, going to New York and the MLS – the first Australian to do so in this capacity – is an exciting challenge for him,” Slater said.
“Obviously, Timmy wants to make it to Brazil … It’s important for him to play at the level he thinks he needs to continue that dream of playing in Brazil.
“It’s certainly more friendly on the body than the Premier League.”
Matt F
Roar Guru
Possible but I can't see Everton going for it. If a MLS side had bid 1m pounds for Emerton at the time I doubt that Blackburn would have let him go for free either.
Mick H
Roar Rookie
Good on Timmy ! Everton needed the money for Pienaar who would offer more than Tim, plus now he gets to live in the US which would be unreal and better weather than England. Good to see there wasn't a fallout either, both parties exited gracefully.
Sports Candy
Roar Pro
I agree with Slater that Tim has a better chance of playing at Brazil 2014 and in better shape if he plays out a couple of seasons in the MLS, instead of the EPL. After he returns home a hero for scoring the winning goal in the WC final against Brazil, he can play out his twilight years in the A-League.
Sports Candy
Roar Pro
Yes but if you reject the transfer you might get black listed and sit on the bench for a while. Look what happened to Tevez after Man CIty refused his transfer request. Tim Cahill and Everton are on good terms and the decision would have been mutual. Cahill or his agent had no offer on the table from WSW to consider.
The Bush
Roar Guru
Can't see a broke team like Everton forgoing a transfer fee on a player who can still offer something at Premier League level...
dasilva
Guest
There is an alternative of Cahill negotiating a mutual termination with the club similar to what Emerton did with Blackburn as well and leave the club as a free transfer.
dasilva
Guest
That's pretty much right. Although Cahill does have the choice to reject the transfer and stay at Everton though.
The Bush
Roar Guru
I am a little lost; if he's under contract with Everton, he can't really "pick" where he goes right, because Everton have a right to ensure that they are compensated with a transfer fee? Therefore, unless any A-League club had the money to bid against New York (or other clubs), it isn't really up to Cahill where he goes (beyond agreeing to personal terms with interested clubs). If that is incorrect, could someone please explain the truth of the issue?
pete4
Guest
Looked like he was going to China or Middle East there for a while. But wow Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill strike partnership could be something else...