Six places where Cahill could end up

With Tim Cahill sensationally quitting Melbourne City with a desire for more game time as he pushes to be included in Australia's FIFA World Cup squad for a record fourth consecutive time, we take a look at possible destinations for the 38-year-old.

Tim Cahill

Source: Getty Images

Western Sydney Wanderers

Argument for: Cahill was born and raised in Sydney. He has worked with Wanderers coach Josep Gomabu, who was part of the Socceroos coaching set up for 12 months starting in June 2016, before and their star striker Oriol Riera is currently out injured with a hamstring strain. The Wanderers could also use his star presence to boost their dwindling crowds. 

Argument against: Cahill said in a statement released today; “Playing in the domestic league in Australia was always an important career goal for me, and my experience here has been fulfilling from start to finish," suggesting that his time in the domestic league is 'finished'. Also his best attribute, his heading ability and anticipation to get on the end of crosses is unlikely to render with Gombau's preference for a short passing, tiki-taka combination football.

Yokohama

Argument for: Ange Postecolgou has been heavily linked with J.League side Yokohama F. Marinos and is expected to take over prior to the season's kick-off in February. Postecoglou and Cahill have always enjoyed a strong working relationship, and Yokohama's star center-forward, Hugo Vieira, is currently out with a long-term knee injury. Another plus is the fact that fellow Socceroo Milos Degenek is at the club.
Argument against: Yokohama are 20% owned by the City Football Group, so it would be a strange move on their part to agree to terminate one contract only to have him sign another. Why wouldn't they just keep him under contract and eventually loan him to the J.League club?

Millwall

Argument for: Cahill is a club hero after playing six seasons for the London club which included an FA Cup Final appearance against Manchester United. Millwall are currently in the lower-half of the English Championship and if Cahill can get regular game time along fellow Aussie James Meredith it could put him in great condition for Russia 2018. 

Argument against: The Championship is a bit of a step up from the A-League and such a physically demanding league might be tough on a 38-year-old who wants regular playing time. Should he join he would be the oldest player in the squad by four years.

Everton

Argument for: Cahill is still a club legend on the blue-side of Merseyside, with some Everton fans already taking to Twitter to let it known that they would welcome him back. No doubt if it was offered Cahill would jump at the opportunity to play in the Premier League again. 

Argument against: It's highly unlikely that he would get the regular playing time at the Premier League club that spent over $245 million on new players in the last transfer window.

Karabükspor

Argument for: Tony Popovic could be willing to link-up with his former Socceroos team-mate in the Turkish first divison. Popovic's side is currently sitting in last with the equal worst attack in the Turkish Super Lig, so they could definitely use Cahill's goals. Playing regularly in the Super Lig is a decent level and would see him come up against fellow Socceroo Aziz Behich. It has also been rumoured that the former Wanderers coach is keen to bring in some Australian players during the January transfer window as he looks to turn his side's fortunes around.

Argument against: There has been plenty of turmoil at the club with the entire board resigning in November, which could make signing Cahill difficult. It is also unclear how much money they would be willing to offer the former Melbourne City man, given they spent no money in the previous transfer window after finishing 11th last season.

UAE

Argument for: There are rumours that Cahill could possibly play in the United Arab Emirates, where close friend and Socceroos teammate Ryan McGowan is based, as well as former Melbourne City teammate Anthony Caceres. 

Argument against: The UAE Arabian Gulf League finishes on February 24 which would mean Cahill would have a long, unwanted, break until June's World Cup.


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4 min read
Published 6 December 2017 11:31am
Updated 6 December 2017 2:36pm
Source: SBS The World Game


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