We all know about the failure the Newcastle Jets have had with their 2009/09 ‘marquee’, Edmundo Zura. It has also been announced that their replacement signing for him – Dwight Yorke (about 3 seasons too late anyway, Newcastle) – has fallen through.
The A-League needs to stop living in the past and signing players who were once effective and start taking more risks. Two players in particular come to mind with this, Fred and Yorke.
Both were great players and would be effective again in the A-League. However, we do need to venture out a little more, take more time in scouting marquee players, and results and attendances will follow because of the quality.
So, Newcastle are looking for a player who can be effective in the ACL and save their season?
Former FIFA World Player Ronaldo is currently looking for a club. He would no doubt attract more fans to go to games, as well as add some quality to the Newcastle attack.
He is currently training with Flamengo, but has also had an offer from Seire A side Siena. So he is obviously of some value in Europe.
Whilst his fitness is not up to scratch as of yet, shown after lasting just 22 minutes in a charity match, this could be a bargaining point for Newcastle.
On top of this, there have been numerous players who have come to the A-League unfit and who have turned out to be great players. An example is Carlos Hernandez.
Once fit (which should not take long), Ronaldo could really do some damage to defences in Asia and the A-League.
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