Socceroo Tommy Oar transfer likely, with Ajax reported to be among interested clubs
WHILE Tommy Oar is working hard to break into the Socceroos first XI, his Dutch club is working to negotiate a sale before the Asian Cup final.
Asian Cup
Don't miss out on the headlines from Asian Cup. Followed categories will be added to My News.
WHILE Tommy Oar is working hard to break into the Socceroos first XI, his Dutch club is working behind the scenes to negotiate a sale before the January 31 Asian Cup final.
FC Utrecht are eager to cash in on the in-form Oar, who has just five months left on his contract, with Ajax Amsterdam among at least several interested European clubs.
Oar. 23, has enjoyed a breakthrough season after a “disappointing” World Cup, but has only managed a substitute appearance at the Asian Cup.
VIDEO: CAHILL’S PERFECT DELIVERY
LECKIE DESPERATE TO GET ON THE SCORESHEET
Oar is bracing himself for a new challenge but told the Herald Sun he wants to stay focused on the Socceroos’ chase for silverware.
“I don’t know too much, I told my agent to keep things as quiet as possible until after the Asian Cup because I don’t want any distractions,’’ Oar said.
“I’ve got six months left on my contract, people start talking and the situation becomes more alarming I guess.
“But I haven’t paid too much attention, after the Asian Cup will come the time when I’ll have to look at it and look at the situation and see what options I have.
“The last six months I’ve tried to perform as well as I can.
“Now I want to get into the starting line up and play well, which will only benefit my cause.’’
Brisbane Roar trio Michael Zullo, Adam Sarota and Oar cost Utrecht a combined $900,000 in 2010, and being second in Eredivisie assists this season, his club believe now is the best time to sell.
Interestingly, Utrecht coach Rob Alflen played Oar in defensive midfield for the first time a month ago when they faced Ajax.
Oar said he was flattered by the interest with the club famous for producing Dennis Bergkamp, Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten.
“The pedigree of Ajax speaks for itself, I guess they have a great reputation for producing and developing young players so it would be a great move,’’ he said.
“But I’m not focused on it at all, it’s on doing as well as I can here and helping the (Socceroos). The better it goes here the better it will reflect on me.’’
Oar has been delighted with his league form for Utrecht, who return to league action in two days, after overcoming a slow start after straining knee ligaments post Brazil.
“I was a bit disappointed with my performances (in Brazil), I put a bit too much pressure on myself,’’ Oar said.
“I’m trying to enjoy myself a bit more, soaking up the experience a bit and that approach helps me on the field.
“I’ve already got more assists and created more chances than I did last season, so it’s going well.
“My role changes depending on the game and the tactics.
“I started off on the left and right wing and then I moved more to number 10 and even defensive midfield, which was different.”
After starting all three World Cup games, Oar has been benched for James Troisi, Massimo Luongo and former Roar teammate Matt McKay.
Oar was confident of getting his chance, and had an impressive 16-minute cameo after replacing Mathew Leckie last Tuesday.
“There’s also a shorter turnaround, so more players will be required as the tournament goes on,’’ he said.
“It’s a much more attacking line up and there’s more competition for places now but it’s very welcomed.’’
Robbie Kruse, man of the match in the Socceroos’ 4-0 win over Oman, joins the Fox Football Podcast to reflect on the performance. Adam Peacock is joined in studio by Sasa Ognenovski and The Daily Telegraph’s Tom Smithies, and on the phone by Ned Zelic, to dissect the game, and the tournament thus far, from all angles.
Originally published as Socceroo Tommy Oar transfer likely, with Ajax reported to be among interested clubs
Fowler keen to clear the air on Paris flop
Accusations of “pampering” were thrown at the Matildas following their disappointing exit at the Paris Olympic Games.
Huge concerns for new AFC Women’s Champions League
It hasn’t kicked off yet but FIFPRO Asia have serious concerns about the financial strain the AFC Women’s Champions League will have on clubs, athletes’ welfare and disruptions to domestic competitions.