Outside90’s James Caughlin takes a look at some of the Socceroos players who are capturing football headlines around the world.
Tim Cahill – Hangzhou Greentown [New Signing]
Former Wanderers defender Matthew Spiranovic has picked up an Australian teammate. Unfortunately they will be spending time at opposite ends of the pitch as the new man is Tim Cahill, which may lead to some interesting training battles. While many were hoping Cahill would sign with an A-League club, it appears as though that would not have been possible right now due to FIFA transfer restrictions and in some small part the stupidly lucrative money on offer in China right now (be honest, who would turn down that cash if offered it?). Cahill’s contract is only for five months, however, so this may be a short stop rather than a final destination and we may be writing about another transfer for him in August.
Last season Hangzhou finished a disappointing 11th in the Chinese Super League and will be looking to get back up the table. One reason for their low finish is the fact they scored 27 goals in 30 games, the worst ratio in the league. It is hard for a team to win when their average is under a goal per game. The good news though is that their defence was fairly stingy and only allowed 35 goals, so if Cahill can pop up with a few well timed headers (as is so typical of the Socceroos legend), that may make the difference for Hangzhou now.
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Apostolis Giannou – Guangzhou R&F [Defection]
Fox Sports revealed Thursday that the Greek-born striker will switch national team allegiances and play for the Socceroos, possibly as early as next month. His time in the Mediterranean was productive, scoring 13 goals for Asteras in the Greek Super League season so far, but he has now jumped ship to China. Eligibility for Australia comes from the fact he was raised in Melbourne and left as an 18-year-old to ply his trade in Greece. It will be interesting to see his reaction playing against his ‘other’ home team in June if he is selected for the friendlies.
Erik Paartaluu – Jeonbuk Motors Hyundai and Nathan Burns – FC Tokyo [Played]
The jet-setting giant played a full game in this week’s Asian Champions League opener, where he emerged victorious over countryman Burns. Paartaluu played a full game for the Korean side whom he recently signed for, finishing in a 2-1 victory for the home side as Burns was brought on with just under 15 minutes to play to help his side chase the game. The return leg in Tokyo will take place on April 20.
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