Marauding Mariners attacker Tom Rogic looks set to depart these shores in January and make a dream move overseas.
The most likely target seems to be England, and Premier League strugglers Reading, who previously tried to sign the Canberra product.
There’s little doubt that Rogic is one of the most technically gifted and exciting players we have produced in recent years. He is a joy to watch, a genuine match-winner and entertainer.
If all goes as it should, he should enjoy a long Socceroo career and excel in Europe over the next decade. But with his transfer about to be completed, it’s worth asking – is the timing right?
Is Rogic leaving now good for the player and his club? And is his destination, Championship-bound Reading, the right one?
We must remember that Rogic is only 20-years-old and is in just his first full A-League season. He has played just 22 games for the Central Coast, since joining them in January 2012, managing five goals and three assists.
A few years ago he was playing more futsal than football.
But we also must remember that Rogic is somewhat of an old head on young shoulders. He has slotted into the table-topping Mariners outfit with ease.
He has shrugged off the pressure of being the only Australian playmaker in the competition and his Socceroos debut against Korea displayed that he has little fear. He took on the Korean defenders with the ball at his feet and was not over-awed by the occasion.
As this interview shows, Tomas Rogic is a bright, well-spoken individual. He appears easy-going and unfazed by his rise.
However, at the same time, his recent red card and three-game suspension against Sydney FC also shows he is still learning. He is not the finished article yet and has some maturing to go.
In England he can expect more physicality, more pressure and a quicker game all-round. He will be in a fish bowl and there will be no let up.
It can be argued though that Rogic has little else to achieve in the A-League. Sure he could be more dominating, he could get more games under his belt and score more goals. But he is 20 and still developing, not to mention already one of the best players in the competition.
Where would be best continue to develop – in the A-League or abroad? Rogic needs new challenges and goals to progress. He will arguably do that more efficiently with better players around him.
England might not be the best place for him, a slower league with a more technical focus might be more appropriate, like Holland or Italy. The worse thing would be for the former Futsalroo to depart and not play any senior matches, like his old teammate Musti Amini who joined Borussia Dortmund.
But Reading has indicated that they will play Rogic, and that they want him bad. That is a good sign. There is also a core of Aussies at the club, in keeper Adam Federic and midfielder Ryan Edwards, which should make him feel more welcome.
For the Mariners it is a similar story – forced to sell one of their best players at a crucial point in the season. But we must remember that the A-League is a player developing and a selling competition. It is normal for our best and brightest to move overseas.
Global football is a shop window. Better for the Central Coast to sell Rogic now and make a good profit on his sale than to keep the kid until the end of the season and then he leaves for nothing when his contract expires.
There is no exact science when it comes to Australian players heading overseas to play. Some make it, some don’t. There are many factors to consider. But the 6 foot 2 inch playmaker from Griffith with the freakish ability has a better chance than most to succeed.
It is a sink or swim environment in the UK, and I think he will swim.
Follow John on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
ThomasHudson9
Roar Pro
Rogic has to make the move. The exposure in England and Europe is so much greater than in Australia despite the A-League's growth. Even if Reading are in the midst of a relegation battle, the experience will be important in his growth as a player and his performances may lead to offers from larger clubs.
Ballymore
Guest
I too was disapppointed when I first heard about McGowan's proposed transfer to Shandong Luneng. However, when I thought about it didn't seem like a bad move. I say that because of the comparable quality between the Scottish Premier League and Chinese Super League (particularly with the exit of Rangers). Also, Shandong won the CSL in 2008 and 2010, so if they can reach that level again he will have the opportunity to play in the ACL. Thirdly, Chinese teams have a limited quota of foreign (or Asian) players so I expect him to go straight into the first XI. From a WCQ perspective this year, it means McGowan' flights to Tokyo and Australia will be substanially shorter than flights from Scotland, which should reduce his fatigue levels. Exposing him to Asian football on a weekly basis could help his performance for the Socceroos in Asian Qualifiers moving forward. If Drogba & Anelka stay in Shanghai, marking that pair would be a great experience for a young defender.
midfielder
Guest
Me thinks players need to go where they will get match time. He will get match time at reading.... If he is as good as many think he will move to s bigger club.....for those who think this is the wrong club .... I suggest you go back with a open mind and look at the dukes career....
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
vinie Marco Bresciano signed for Empoli in 1999, when they had been relegated to SerieB. He's turned out ok? ;-) You have to factor in the "time decay" that devalues Rogic's sale price as his CCM contract nears expiration. I'm staggered any club wants to pay $600k for a player when they can sign him for $0 in 4 months.
vinie
Guest
fair enough Fussy, i just didnt see the queue lining up for his signature thats all, for such a highly rated player by all of you here, our apparent next no.10 was only pursued by Reading for 600k.
AndyRoo
Roar Guru
He only has 6 months to go on his contract which is a huge factor in price. If he had another 3 or 4 years to go on his contract and the Mariners weren't desperate to sell they could hold out for more.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Vinie The $600k price tag is FANTASTIC for a player, who has only played pro-football for 1 year. Suppose you want to sell your house and you know: a) you can sell the house today for $600k; or b) you can sell the house in 4 months for $0 What would you do?
willyw
Guest
He would've already been at Reading if not for a visa problem a year ago so of course the timing is right! I'm just glad we got to see him light up the Aleague before stepping onto the big stage. Best of luck Tom
vinie
Guest
you would think that ther would have been interest from bigger clubs if he was rated that good. 600k is nothing. Kalac was bought from Sydney Utd for 1.2million around the year 1996, either times are tough in England or he's slipped through the radar of other potential suitors. Rogic does his magic in the A-league and is one of the better players in the league, lets hope he can do the same at Reading. Personally i think people over rate the A-league too much, just because there are now some good passages of play throughout the game and some world class goals. But take in mind that its the foreigners that are mainly taking the centre stage for each club. not the local players. When i say we over-rate the league i dont mean to dis-respect, ive seen you do it a few times Fussy Ball. Two examples of fail where the Brisbane Roar in Asia and the so called youth world cup dream team with Oar amini antonis and co. We expected so much but got so little. Slowly we will get there.
nordster
Guest
Haha i did that with Musti just to see him on the pine for the champs league game!
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
I would have preferred to see Tommy go to GER or NED but it's obvious that Reading want him badly enough to fork out more than 1/2 million dollars now, rather than wait 4 months and grab Rogic for NOTHING. Great opportunity for Tommy - and the other Aussie lads - to help Reading stay up in the most valuable football league on the planet. The whole world will be watching and I'll be setting my alarm to watch Reading FC ... that's something I've NEVER contemplated before!
jamesb
Guest
I would've liked to have seen Rogic play in the HAL for at least another year. But the Mariners do want money coming their way, so they are happy for Rogic to part company. I'm underwhelmed that he is potentially going to Reading. More than likely they'll play in the Championship next season, and I don't think The Championship is the right league for Rogic. Holland and Germany should have been his preferred options. Also very disappointed about Ryan McGowan going to China. He was becoming a regular at Hearts, but like the Mariners, Hearts need the money. Had McGowan stayed at Hearts, he than had a chance to play at right back for the Socceroos. Now going to China, I just wonder if that will hurt McGowans Socceroo prospects. The irony here is, this might represent an opportunity for Ryans younger brother, Dylan to become a regular Hearts player.