BHUBANESWAR: The highest goal-scorer of all time for Australia’s national football team and the former captain of Premier League side Everton, Tim Cahill is said to be in negotiations with Indian Super League (ISL) club Jamshedpur FC to play in the upcoming season in India, Khel Now reports.
The 38-year-old’s last appearance in a match was at the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia, followed by which he announced his international retirement. Although there have been recent rumours of Cahill joining LA Galaxy in the Major League Soccer (MLS) competition in USA, these are likely to be put to rest should he strike a deal with the Tata Steel-owned club that made its ISL debut last season.
Jamshedpur FC’s new head coach, Cesar Ferrando is reportedly very keen on signing the Australian forward, who can also play as an attacking midfielder with his USPs being versatility, experience and a never-say-die attitude. Cahill could boost a side lacking goal-scoring firepower, which cost them a place in the playoffs in 2017 by a small margin, despite being one of the best defensive sides in the tournament.
His presence is also expected to shore up the profile of the ISL further, with the likes of Roberto Carlos, Robert Pires, Nicolas Anelka and Alessandro del Piero having featured in it in the last four seasons of the tournament.
“He has been on our radar for quite some time and we have been negotiating the move for quite a few weeks,” a source was quoted as saying to Khel Now.
“The new coach wants him. His addition would be a boost to the squad and help us in attacking areas, where we lacked last season. His experience and work-ethic would also inspire the players in the team. A player of his calibre is a must for the upcoming season,” he further added.
