Recently relegated from the English Premier League, Fulham have confirmed signing Australia’s 21-year-old striker Adam Taggart.
Taggart is the first member of the Socceroos squad to snag a move since the beginning of the World Cup.
Taggart’s move is more likely based on his domestic form rather than his cameo appearances in Brazil. He came on late against the Dutch and played the first half against the Spanish, struggling to settle and make an impact in either game.
He forced his way into the 2014 World Cup squad with an impressive season last year with the Newcastle Jets where he won the A-League’s Golden Boot award having scored 16 goals for the Jets.
Taggart will fancy his chances of receiving game time at a club still licking their wounds from a disastrous Premier League season, where they finished 19th. Bryan Ruiz is almost certainly too good to play in the Championship, while Hugo Rodagella scored a paltry two goals from 12 appearances last season.
Taggart is unlikely to be the last Socceroo to receive transfer attention. Jason Davidson’s performances have also reportedly interested Fulham, while Mathew Leckie, despite recently signing with 2.Bundesliga side FC Ingolstadt 04, has also been targeted.
There are reports that Utrecht’s pacy winger Tommy Oar is being targeted by Serie A club Udinese. Western Sydney’s Matthew Spiranovic also caught the eye at centre back and is likely to be subject of some overseas interest.
Such attention confirms what Australia’s performances at the World Cup have suggested: the next generation of Socceroos are capable of playing at the highest level and deserve to play in Europe’s best leagues.
Taggart may not have shown much at the World Cup, but given the chance he is more than capable to prove his worth for Fulham.
Franko
Guest
The guy who really should be making a move is Spiranovic. Another year in the A-League is not going to be a massive benefit like it is for some players under 22/23. He's turning 26 this week and should be looking to clubs in Germany or Holland, or teams who compete in Europe from Switzerland or Belgium to take the next step. Nürnberg just got relegated, so maybe a return there?
mfor45
Roar Pro
Agreed, a lot of the criticism is quite harsh. Taggart is not the type of striker to drop back into midfield to receive the ball either. He looked isolated against Spain but as you say was due to some poor distribution.
Griffo
Roar Guru
I agree I don't think another year in the A-League would have hurt but there can be no denial that his stocks are high and perhaps no better time to move. I hope he gets regular game time with Fulham - it would be great for him to help them get back to the premiership - but I am also hoping that he does not get loaned out to a lower Championship side over the next three years for much needed game time. All up to those guys mentioned to work hard and hopefully keep moving on to better things.
whiskeymac
Guest
Good luck to all those mentioned, time to step up and reap those rewards.
Brick Tamland of the pants party
Guest
I don't think another year in the A-League would have hurt,he's 21 for gods sake but he's obviously confident in his abilities and I think he's the real deal so we'll see.Oar moving to Udinese I think could be a great move,people seem to have written him off but I believe he hasn't hit the ceiling of his ability just yet,i do think you hit the ceiling of what you get out of yourself at a club like Ultrecht though with all respect.Playing in Italy will help him in the technical side of his game,well it will have to or he won't make it there just trying to skin full backs all day won't get you far,more guile is required.Interested to see what happens with Leckie by far our best player and what a great player he could become at the right club.
Jack
Guest
Yep hopefully his not playing reserves in championship. I must admit its a big step up from HAP but not if he doesn't get game time
Franko
Guest
Am really surprised that Fulham have signed this lad, but good luck to him. Lets hope things turn out better for him than Corey Gameiro, James Musa and Ryan Williams (There must be an Aussie agent in SW6)
ian
Guest
Fulham's right next to Earls court he'll never be short of Australian company anyway!
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Well done and good luck AT. So much for some of the 'hate' visited upon him by some bloggers in the last day or two. Kid's got a big future. His performance against Spain wasn't helped by some poor distribution to him from midfield.