Western Sydney Wanderers hope to replace Shinji Ono with another star from Japan, after the fan favourite decided to quit the A-League and return home.
The club confirmed on Thursday their inaugural marquee man will leave at season’s end to play for second-tier Japanese outfit Consadole Sapporo from June.
Ono is contracted to the Wanderers until May and is expected to remain with last season’s grand finalists during the Asian Champions League group matches and – if they qualify – round-of-16 stage.
Wanderers chairman Lyall Gorman denied the 34-year-old’s decision was money-driven, insisting the talented playmaker was eager to see out his career on home soil and be closer to his wife and two children who still live in Japan.
“It was never about throwing money at him. It was just time; it was time for him to go home to his family,” Gorman told Fox Sports.
He said the “left of field” offer from Sapporo presented the perfect opportunity for Ono to leave Australia after two years, 39 appearances and nine goals.
“So it was just an alignment of the stars for the next part of his life and one we’re happy to and prepared to support and move on.
“He’s been a tremendous ambassador. He’s left a remarkable footprint on our club and we have tremendous respect (for him).
“He’ll always be a part of our family and on we move.”
The global search for a replacement as already begun, with Gorman revealing Asia as a focal point.
“We’ll be looking to replace him in one form or another – ideally with another Japanese player, but not necessarily so,” he said.
“There’s some wonderful quality players around the globe and we’ll certainly be looking to match up somebody who can bring what Shinji brought to the table.
“I have no doubt the next one’s out there. We’ve started looking already.
“It’s just a matter of patience and making sure the best decisions are made – not diving off the board too quickly.”
Gorman dismissed rumours the club had asked Socceroo star Tim Cahill to sign with the Wanderers, given his commitment to the Major League Soccer in the US.
sootynewt
Guest
ono wanted to stay wests did not offer new contract!
AZ_RBB
Guest
$1 million might help a lot of kids but when you add it to the pool of money already invested in youth development, it makes a marginal difference. Whereas a strong marquee not only brings in great knowledge of the game and skill but also improved chances of the team doing well and as WSW's recent success shows, it has an enormous flow on effect. The wider benefits of a good marquee outweighs simply throwing more money at junior football.
albo
Guest
Spend the money on developing the kids.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Who are some local kids worthy of marquee status?
albo
Guest
There must be plenty of 40year old players looking for some retirement money they could sign.What about some local kids
Batou
Guest
That was definitely his career high point I'd say. Not on the same level as Ono, or even close, in my opinion. Nakamura on the other hand... I'd love to watch him in the a-league, although he doesn't have Ono's charisma. He's going to be a tough act to follow
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
I also think WSW ideally would like to have players who fit in Western Sydney's diverse range of cultures. One of my Japanese friend, big WSW fan, was gutted yesterday when he heard the news. I know having Ono on board did help him identify even more with the club (and other of my Japanese friends). But agree with Franko, best player they can have first.
Franko
Guest
I honestly think Holman is the man. They can dangle the lure of the Asian Cup in front of him and possibly ACL. He's a local lad and plays the position well. I'm pretty sure Ange told he that he won't be picked whilst he toils in the Oil League, so maybe he could be turned??
Peaches
Guest
I suspect the target is an Asian player in general. The 3+1 rule for the Asian Champions League I believe is a good target for A-League clubs to run their visa players on.
AZ_RBB
Guest
I remember being a fan of Inamoto when I was a kid. Honestly, don't know why........i think it was his goals in the 2002 World Cup.
Dai Nasir
Roar Rookie
Nakamura and his free kicks would be something to see!
Johan
Guest
Sign Tezza 'zidane' 'McFylnn from Sydney FC, he is just what the Wanderers need!! I hope that Sydney FC would be sure to part with him- they may even pay the Wanderers to take him!!! If you can't get Tezza then go for another lemon Davie Boy Carney.
Franko
Guest
“We’ll be looking to replace him in one form or another – ideally with another Japanese player, but not necessarily so,” he said. Not sure why a Japanese player specifically? Best man for the job I'd have thought. Though best man may include Shunsuke Nakamura or Inamoto?