Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos star Tim Cahill favoured to continue club career in China

ASIA looms as Tim Cahill’s next destination, with the Socceroos superstar almost certain to have played his last game for New York Red Bulls.

Tim Cahill of Australia celebrates a goal during the AFC Asian Cup Quarter-Final between the Socceroos and China played at Suncorp Stadium. Pic Darren England.

ASIA looms as Tim Cahill’s next destination, with the Socceroos superstar almost certain to have played his last game for New York Red Bulls.

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China appears to be the frontrunner, although UAE duo Al Wahda and Al-Ahli have signalled their intention to launch lucrative bids for the striker.

Two of the Chinese Super League’s richest clubs, Shanghai Shenhua and Guangzhou Evergrande, have had scouts at the Asian Cup in preperation for immediate recruitment, with Cahill a prime target.

Though UAE media claimed that Al Wahda had struck a “tentative” deal with the Socceroos striker, it’s believed he intends to wait until the end of the tournmanet before choosing his next destination.

The timing of that story was also noted within the Socceroos camp, coming 24 hours before Australia played the UAE national team.

It’s understood that Cahill’s MLS club, who have just started pre-season, have agreed to grant him a release and free transfer, with one year to run on his contract.

Tim Cahill looks to have played his last game for New York Red Bulls.

Despite his status, no A-League clubs have expressed interest in signing Cahill despite his mass appeal.

Sydney FC had initial discussions during the World Cup last June, but he opted to stay at Red Bulls and the Sky Blues signed Austrian Marc Janko instead.

Rival MLS franchises have expressed interest in signing Cahill from the New York club, with the MLS having a centralised contractual system, but the veteran is keen to pursue Asia as a new - and lucrative - frontier.

It’s understood that he has received no fewer than a dozen ‘expressions of interest’ from China, UAE and Qatar, with offers in the region of US$3-5m per year net and agents queuing to put him in touch with clubs.

The MLS lists all player salaries publically, and Cahill currently earns $3.5m, one of the league’s highest earners.

Tim Cahill has been one of the stars of the Asian Cup.

Cahill’s goals against China in the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup, while consigning the national team to defeat, seriously burnished his credentials in what has become a lucrative market, with billionaires such as Evergrande owner Xu Jiayin pumping money into the league.

His performances at the Asian Cup have also underlined the fitness he still holds, though its believed his preference is for a three-year deal which some clubs have baulked at.

While prolonging his Socceroos career is his primary consideration, Cahill is also conscious of his other business interests, including his fashion label ‘Shoreditch’ and his Foxtel academy.

Speaking on the eve of the Asian Cup, Cahill said he would consider a move if he was offered a longer term deal.

“If I get an extra year (at the Red Bulls) it will be amazing, if not sometimes you look elsewhere,’’ Cahill told the Herald Sun.

“If it happens it does, if not it doesn’t. Like always, if it does happen it will be for a very good reason. “It’s always with a vision. I’ve been at New York Red Bulls over two years and it’s been amazing.’’