A-League newcomers the Western Sydney Wanderers have not ruled out the possibility of signing former German captain Michael Ballack and hinted a guest-player stint may be the way to lure the star midfielder.
Securing Ballack would complete a stunning trio for the A-League after Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero penned a deal with Sydney FC and former England international Emile Heskey joined the Newcastle Jets.
Wanderers coach Tony Popovic admits having both big names in the league has generated much more interest in his club.
“There are a lot of players that are interested now with Emile Heskey being here and Alessandro Del Piero being here,” he said.
But with reports saying the Wanderers, who are funded by Football Federation Australia, would need $2.5 million for Ballack’s signature, the club’s executive chairman Lyall Gorman said a guest player stint is being explored.
“We’re flattered by the attention that we’ve received from agents and oversees players in relation to interest in joining our club and there’s no denying that Ballack is one of those who has been put on the table,” Gorman said on Friday.
“I can assure you there’s no deal that’s been done at this time but we’re not dismissing any options and one of the more interesting concepts for us to explore at the moment is the concept of a guest player stint of some form or another.”
A week out from kicking off their first A-League campaign, the Wanderers unveiled Socceroo defender Michael Beauchamp as the club’s inaugural captain on Friday.
And with much of the attention centred around former Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen star Ballack, who captained Germany to the 2002 World Cup final, Gorman was intent on redirecting the spotlight.
“The focus really should be on this Michael right here, Michael Beauchamp, at a key moment in history in our club’s evolution.”
Former Sydney FC player Beauchamp will lead his side in their opening clash against last season’s minor premiers the Central Coast at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday week.
Matt F
Roar Guru
Agree. It cheapens the club, the league and more importantly can disrupt a teams season. Either commit to a full season (at least) or don't bother. Whilst all players are obviously doing so because they're paid to be there i'd like to think that the players pkaying are trying to win games and hopefully the title, as opposed to fulfilling marketing obligations for a quick paycheck. A player on a guest contract has no incentive to chase the title as they won't be around when it's won.
phutbol
Guest
Agree with the minister... Guest stints should be done away with. whats the point of getting a quick lift then losing that player for the business end of the season. Stupid. As a marketing gimmick when 'new football' was new, maybe. not anymore.
whiskeymac
Guest
read this too. very interesting, the SMH suggested Riqueleme was being sounded out too by a HAL club... if these guys are fit and committed then what a turnaround the next season will be from the last ones dramas.
langou
Roar Guru
Sorry Angela but The Roars every own Myles Steadman has confrimed that he has signed
nordster
Guest
Shinji Ono :)
rob
Guest
really the best way forward for WSW is for more members to sign up and packed out hone crowds to give them the capital to invest in players for the furture. Boring. But true.
Minister for Information for the Democratic People's Republic of Football
Guest
....sorry Angela, no offfence I hope?
Minister for Information for the Democratic People's Republic of Football
Guest
I'm against guest player stints. It's like a girl giving you a kiss on your old fellow without going on with the job.
Cappuccino
Roar Guru
Whether through a permanent deal or a guest stint, getting Ballack in the A-League would be great. Hopefully it happens.