ISL 2017: Ex-Premier League star Tim Cahill offered to Delhi Dynamos

What’s the story?

Australia and former Everton star Tim Cahill could well be on his way to the subcontinent after his agent is said to have offered his services to ISL club Delhi Dynamos.

In case you didn’t know…

Cahill, 38, has had a long and successful career, in which he became a fan favourite at top English Premier League club Everton, where he had spent eight years. After his eight-year stint at the Merseyside club, the star Socceroos player moved to New York Red Bulls, following that up with stints in China with Shanghai Shenhua and Hangzhou Greentown.

After a short stint at Melbourne City FC, Cahill is set to make a move yet again, after he terminated his contract with the club, reportedly due to a shortage in playing time. Now, a free agent, Cahill is said to be targeting to make it to the Australian squad for the 2018 World Cup, which would be his fourth appearance at the mega tournament.

Heart of the matter

Cahill has set his eyes on different leagues in Asia, and the ISL in India is said to be one of them. His agent is also said to have sent an offer to ISL side Delhi Dynamos, for a possible transfer for the Aussie legend, according to sources.

While the quota for the maximum number of foreign players allowed in a squad is eight, Delhi currently have only seven foreigners, and are in desperate need of some reinforcements, after having lost two home games on the trot for the first time.

While they do have star striker Kalu Uche in their ranks, the forward has not been able to capture the imagination of the crowd and has scored only one goal, that too, from the penalty spot.

What’s next?

With a new head coach for the Australian national team yet to be decided, lack of playing time could become a bit of an issue for Cahill. A new coach may not want a 38-year-old player, who has not had much first team action, to play in his side. Hence, Cahill, in a bid to play in the World Cup for the fourth time, is set for a move.

Author’s take

Despite these developments, it is set to be a task and a half for the Dynamos to land Cahill’s signature. Being an international star, the Aussie has attracted interests from all over the continent, especially from countries like Thailand and Indonesia. However, it will be interesting to see whether the Aussie legend makes a move a little more westwards, to India.