Tim Cahill could put pen to paper with Melbourne City as soon as Monday.
The Socceroos legend is currently playing in the Chinese Super League with Hangzhou Greentown, however The Australian is reporting that the struggling club will be happy enough to release Cahill when the local transfer window opens on Monday.
It is understood the A-League’s newest powerhouse are set to make a huge play for Cahill, snapping him up in spite of interest from clubs in China, the United States and England.
If Cahill is to come home, he would surely become the face of the A-League, with The Australian speculating the league would use him as a major bargaining chip in their upcoming TV rights deals.
He would also help City to assert themselves as the dominant club in Victoria, as they have struggled to emerge from under the shadow of Melbourne Victory – both as City and in their previous life as Melbourne Heart.
City had a successful season in 2015-16, finishing fourth in the regular season before being knocked out by eventual champions Adelaide United in the semi-finals.
Sheikh Mansour’s Aussie club are banking on a player of Cahill’s calibre to take them two wins better in the coming season.
The former Everton player would also be the highest-profile recruit to the game since Harry Kewell’s underwhelming season at Melbourne under their previous iteration as the Heart.
Indeed, it was Kewell’s time in the A-League, along with John Aloisi’s experience at home as a player, that led to Cahill being so reluctant to come home until now, approaching his 37th birthday.
But after a series of spats with FFA, CEO David Gallop met with Cahill last week to clear the air, before making a statement which finished, “Bottom line is Tim would be a massive addition to the A-League. I would love to see him playing here every week.”
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
Yes sure, a Sydney Derby at ANZ would be huge already, and we could possibly break the domestic A-League attendance record of 50,333 (not counting finals) set by Victory v Sydney. But I feel if Tim was playing for one of the Sydney teams he'd add another 10k bums on seats. That's the sort of impact he could have, first game of the season Sydney Derby. The capacity of ANZ Stadium is 83,500 If he signs for M City the M Derby will be a sellout for sure and they could even beat the Sydney Derby attendance record..
Kasey
Roar Pro
Bob, the derby at ANZ will already be " massive". it doesn't need Tim to be massive. 50,000+ to a domestic football game would have been considered fantasy land back in 2005 when the A-League kicked off. Even a notorious hater like Bourbon Becky will have to pay attention.
Deep Throat
Guest
Follow the money!
Mark
Guest
Ahh, yes, forgot how good Victory were last year.
Boban Fett
Guest
I hope he joins one of the Sydney clubs, if he joins Melbourne City all the "fans" who jumped on the City bandwagon will leave when he does, a la David Villa.
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
If he signs for WSW, the Sydney Derby at Olympic Stadium will be massive.
Josh
Guest
If this is true then Etihad may well be too small for the derby. Part of me wanted him to sign with WSW but I'm glad he's looking like coming to the League, next season is going to be awesome.
Midfielder
Guest
good points pertaining revenue
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
I heard it on commercial radio this morning, which is not usual and shows how popular the guy is. I just hope the rumours are true, even if it sounds very likely. Even if he only plays a few minutes every game and scores no goals he will be a boost to M City and the A-League. Well done David Gallop to eat humble pie, admit he got it all wrong and asked Tim personally to join the A-League. The FFA have also offered $1M as part of their marquee recruitment incentives. They should get that back plus interest in increased attendances, revenues and media coverage and hopefully an increased TV deal.
Carl Spackler
Guest
Nobody else will have him I guess. Welcome back, to the bottom of the barrel. Hope Melbourne Victory's players give him an almighty kicking.
Post hoc
Guest
I'd be surprised if Novillo is still there
Fadida
Guest
:)
At work
Roar Rookie
"Sheikh Mansour’s Aussie club are banking on a player of Cahill’s calibre to take them two wins better in the coming season." Based on the players they already have and are adding for next season, I don't necessarily think Cahill will provide too much more in on field results, probably depends what happens with Moy. Safe to say they could smash last seasons goals scored record. He would definitely make an impact for off field metrics
At work
Roar Rookie
Waz I had that quote copied and ready to go too. Ridiculous comment, Victory will be the powerhouse club in Victoria for a while yet... Minimum 10 years you'd expect before City could possibly challenge them for that title.
Kaks
Roar Guru
Great work by the FFA, changing the A-leagues vi$ion in such a short amount of time.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
A bit like last season for Melb City - plenty of goals at either end! :)
striker
Guest
Gotta agree i think he will be surprised how quick and good the league has become, they still wont win with JVS in charge though.
The Auteur
Guest
But how is front three of Fornaroli, Cahill and Novillo (or whoever replaces him) going to work?
Punter
Guest
"City are expected to soon announce the signing of a high-profile overseas player to join Bruno Fornaroli as their two marquees." From Ray Gatt's report, so could be another one.
Fadida
Guest
I thought Kewell was OK. "Underwhelming" is overly critical. It'll be great to get Cahill in the league, particularly from a marketing POV , but I think he'll be surprised by the quality he comes up against