Liverpool cult-figure and Israeli star Yossi Benayoun is among a trio of decorated international stars who have expressed interest in playing in the A-League.
Sources close to Outside90 can reveal that Luis Garcia’s move to the Central Coast Mariners has spurred interest from Benayoun, ex-Portsmouth striker John Utaka and former Valencia and current Levante defender David Navarro.
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The three players are in the process of being approached by several A-League clubs , with 35-year-old Benayoun in particular attracting interest.
Spanish agent Gustavo Crnko represents all three players and confirmed the interest of his clients to help grow the game in Australia.
“The A League and Australia is a very attractive offer to many coaches and players, the lifestyle is very appealing, we hope to be able to help grow the game in an emerging market as well for the good of all football,” he said.
The ex-Liverpool icon played for the club between 2007 and 2010 and was a fan-favourite among the Reds faithful, makin 92 appearances and scoring 17 goals, many of which in important games. The Isreail national team captain also played for Chelsea, Arsenal, West Ham and QPR, and is currently plying his trade in his home nation with Maccabi Haifa.
Utaka, 34, made his reputation as as striker for Portsmouth in the English Premier League, making 90 appearances for the club between 2007-2010 and was a staple of the Nigerian national team for 12 years.
Listen below for a discussion on A-League marquees with player agent Jon-Paul Michail:
Ex-Valencia veteran David Navarro, 35, was a youth-product of the club before he enjoyed nine-year spell where he had 97 appearances, earning a reputation as one of the game’s feistiest tacklers (was banned several times for misconduct). He is currently plying his trade in La Liga with Levante, where he has made 94 appearances since 2012.
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