With the departure of Austrian striker Marc Janko, Sydney FC are lacking experience in the striker position.
Sydney FC recently re-signed frontman Shane Smeltz and with young gun Corey Gameiro set to return from his season ending ACL injury last season, the Sky Blues need someone with great experience, hunger for goals, and a need to prove a point heading into their return to the Asian Champions League.
Marc Janko finished as the Golden Boot winner, scoring 16 goals in the 27-game season.
Who can replace him next season?
Bobby Zamora
Zamora was a part of the return of QPR to the Premier League this season after three years with the club.
He made only 20 appearances and scored just two goals. Along with Joey Barton and Shaun Wright-Phillips he is off contract.
I believe if he came to Australia, it would suit him more. At 34, he wouldn’t be interested in another success story in the Premier League.
Luca Toni
Luca Toni is probably one of the players at the top of a few teams list. He recently showed interest in moving to Adelaide United, after news arose that the Reds were looking into the Italian striker.
I believe he will suit Sydney FC, with guaranteed Asian Champions League and FFA Cup football, he will be used to the amount of game-time we will be having.
He stormed the Serie A this season, making 37 appearances and scoring 28 goals. At the age of 38 he is an exciting experiment if he graces the A-League.
Jong Tae Se
Tae Se is a striker for K-League team Suwon Samsung Bluewings. Tae Se, 31, made 28 appearances for them this season scoring seven goals. He also made an appearance against Brisbane Roar in their group stage match.
Tae Se recently reached the end of his two year contract with Suwon and reported that he could be looking for a new club.
With an Asian marquee, and a player with experience in the ACL this would be an interesting signing.
Ivicà Olic
The 35-year old Croation joined Hamburger SV in January from Wolfsburg. He scored five goals for Wolfsburg and one for Hamburger SV in total of 26 appearances.
With Hamburg looking likely for relegation, Olic is looking for a way out. With that much experience and talent, he deserves first team football.
With players like Petkovic and more, the Croatian background of Sydney FC will help Olic more as he plays for Sydney FC.
These are my suggestions for Sydney FC’s new marquee striker, let’s hope they fill the big shoes of Marc Janko for next season’s ACL.
144
Roar Guru
I was aware of Carlton Cole leaving West Ham and i only saw the article come out a few hours after i and submitted my article, I would love Cartlon Cole here and i think he would work very well.
Robbie
Guest
West Ham have released Carlton Cole. He's only 31 and while he may not have been a goal machine last year many players have come to Sydney FC and revived their careers and previous form (e.g: Dimitrijevic)
Mantis
Roar Guru
I would love it Bobby came to the A League, but id rather it be in yellow then sky blue. Is Drogba still a possiblity? I remember his name being thrown around not long ago.
Mato-Bateman
Guest
Olic still playing for the Croatian National team, so he will miss some games. Not sure if that's what Arnie is looking for. A marquee midfielder could be better. Someone like Kranjcar is worth looking at.
Slim
Guest
Smeltz will replace Janko.
Gareth
Guest
Need an extra quality Aus or Asian player for the ACL so that extra visa players don't miss out on ACL squad selection.
Batou
Guest
Not sure how Petkovic provides the club with a Croatian background, being Serbian and all. If it's a club with strong Croatian influence that he needs though, he ought to be looking about 30kms west of Sydney FC... I seriously can't see any of these players being the one though, except maybe Toni.