With speculation initially suggesting Adelaide United stalwart Osama Malik was heading to Melbourne City in return for David Williams, Outside90’s Gianluca Filosi analyses why the Reds would be imprudent to release the midfielder-cum defender without a worthy successor.
Adelaide has been renowned for their perceived senseless transactions in the transfer market since the A-League’s inception. From the departure of fan-favourite Fabio Ferreira, to the acquisition of the so far uninspiring Mate Dugandzic, many Reds fans have been left incensed and simultaneously confounded. It is perhaps, to some degree, what has held the club back from realising more success on a consistent basis.
It is worth noting, (despite being obvious) the South Australian outfit simply do not possess the same financial muscle as the likes of Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory and of course the now bankrolled Melbourne City by English heavyweights Manchester City. It cannot afford to have a deep squad with genuine talent on the bench such as Malik or Fabio Ferreira which has been their underlying problem.
Although Williams reportedly pulled out of the swap deal which would have seen him become a Red, it begs the question – why would United want to part ways with arguably their most versatile player? The impressive rise of the prodigious Jordan Elsey, who incidentally replaced Malik due to injury and can be attributed to Adelaide’s resurgence, should not be considered a valid excuse to offload him.
Regardless of the Williams deal now being off the table, the fact the Reds want to trade for him is as bemusing as learning chemistry in high school, especially for a footballer who is mediocre at best – yet to constantly realise his ability. Had the transfer been rubber-stamped it was always going to be perceived as a massive benefit to City, enhancing their title credentials, while Reds fans would be consigned to scratching their heads in disbelief.
Speaking to Outside90 in February last year, Malik intimated he was eager to test himself at a higher level in the future, refusing to rule out a move away from Hindmarsh. However, unless he wants to leave and is forcing his way out of Coopers Stadium, the 25-year-old has to remain. Malik did recently put pen-to-paper on a two-year contract extension in March 2015, signifying his commitment to stay in his hometown. But as the proverbial saying goes; contracts are not worth the paper they are written on and can easily be broken these days.
If the Reds are planning on severing their ties with the ex-North Queensland Fury man, then they must at the very least play hard ball. Swapping Malik for Williams comes across as absurd and suggestive of Adelaide’s foolishness in their transfer negotiations. It is unclear whether club officials are trying to free up space in the salary cap, so they can re-sign players such as James Jeggo and Elsey who will be out of contract at the end of the season.
It would make much more sense for the Reds to attract interest from abroad so a transfer fee is involved, rather than relinquish the ‘jack of all trades’ footballer to a rival A-League outfit. The club faces a dilemma – restore the 25-year-old back to the starting XI, or continue to persist with Elsey, potentially signalling the end of Malik.
An extremely difficult decision has to be made and one which could have monumental implications on how the rest of the season plays out. Does Guillermo Amor risk disrupting his concrete defensive unit to incorporate Malik at Elsey’s expense?
Elsey has been imperious since replacing Malik, forming a resolute defensive partnership with Dylan McGowan, in addition to Amor settling on a stable back four. Eugene Galekovic has conceded a mere three goals in seven matches, keeping five clean sheets and have not yielded a goal in three successive matches.
However, if the club was to choose the latter option (persist with Elsey) it would almost deem Malik surplus to requirements. The side seemingly cannot afford to retain the player’s services if he is not regularly in the starting XI, given he is on a senior wage. Elsey, 21, is unquestionably the cheaper alternative, but could bide his time back on the bench, though that could represent a blow in the youngster’s confidence – hampering his tremendous progression.
Malik’s versatility is indispensable to Adelaide and hence should not be moved on unless a suitable and equally talented replacement can be found. In order for the Reds to experience more jubilation they must demand quality in return and not fringe players.
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