As is widely speculated, former Socceroo Brett Holman could be lining up for the 2016-17 season in the A-League.
The attacking midfielder has proven his quality in the past, but after an illustrious career abroad, will he be able to cut the mustard in a vastly improved domestic competition? If so – how long will he hang around?
The former Feyenoord, NEC Nijmegen, AZ Alkmaar and Aston Villa midfielder is reportedly keen to return home, with the greatest interest in his services coming from Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory, while Sydney FC are also believed to be in the mix.
The 32 year old, capped 63 times for Australia, is currently without a club after spending three years playing in the UAE with Al Nasr and most recently, Emirates Club.
Outside90 takes a look at the positive and negative aspects surrounding his return to the A-League
Positives
Holman’s return would spark extra interest in this season
A-League fans love a big name, and a homecoming for Australia’s top goalscorer at the 2010 World Cup will ignite extra interest in this season’s competition for avid football fans, which could equate to greater matchday attendance and TV viewers.
There would also be an opportunity to use the former Socceroo as one of the faces of the competition, which has the potential to draw casual football fans to the A-League, such as those who recognise him only from his feats at the World Cup.
He has proven his class in Europe and the world stage
There is no doubt over Holman’s ability – he has proven his quality in the Dutch Eredivisie and starred for Australia at the World Cup six years ago, by scoring a long range stunner against Serbia in a 2-1 victory and also in a 1-1 draw with eventual quarter-finalists, Ghana.
His arrival would be a huge boost for any side who is willing to take him on board. A signing like this would help improve the quality of the league.
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Negatives
Price
A player of Holman’s stature will not be a cheap. The FFA has refused to subsidise his homecoming, meaning any interested parties will need to foot the bill entirely out of their own pocket.
This could burn a significant hole in the pocket of any club, should they choose to sign him as a marquee player, or burn a significant hole in the salary cap, should any club be able to fit him in – meaning less money to spend on the rest of the squad.
May not hang around for long
There are whispers that Holman has offers to return to the Netherlands, which proves he certainly made his mark on domestic Dutch football. If the 32-year-old was to return to the A-League and should the rumoured offers continue to come through, how long will he be able to resist the lure of returning to European football?
Fans will want to see a big name like Holman stay for as long as possible to help grow and market the A-League brand to the general sporting public.
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