2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia: Socceroos could attract interest in transfer market with big tournament

IF the Socceroos can advance from their group in Russia - or even pull off an upset or two - then players like Tim Cahill, Trent Sainsbury and even Daniel Arzani could be real beneficiaries.

RUSSIA 2018 will double up as a Socceroos shop-window with a host of players in line to switch clubs in the off-season.

Tim Cahill, Trent Sainsbury and Jamie Maclaren headline the likely Socceroos movers with a host of others in limbo until July, with agents generally reluctant to discuss transfers and salaries with players during the World Cup.

Robbie Kruse, Aziz Behich and Daniel Arzani are among those attracting interest and that will only intensify should the Socceroos advance from the group and/or pull off an upset against France.

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Robbie Kruse could be in for a change of scenery. Pic: Toby Zerna

The 2006 generation are the best examples, with Lucas Neill attracting interest from Liverpool before signing for West Ham from Blackburn Rovers, while FC Twente bought Guus Hiddink bolter Luke Wilkshire from third-tier English side Bristol City.

Premier League side West Brom took note of Jason Davidson’s 2014 performances, buying him from Dutch side Heracles Almelo.

“I could potentially move on now, maybe to a couple of Bundesliga teams. But my wife’s seven and a half months pregnant, so for at least the time being at least, I’ll probably stay at least until January,’’ Kruse said.

“It also depends on what happens at the World Cup. I’m okay where I am at the moment, then I’ll take it from there.”

SWITCH-A-ROOS

The Socceroos who will be in the shop window and could change clubs after the World Cup.

Trent Sainsbury (Jiangsu Suning, China)

Underrated defender is attracting interest after loan to Grasshoppers Zurich ended.

Tim Cahill (Free agent)

Free after his deal with Millwall expired. Hasn’t ruled out staying on.

Daniel Arzani (Melbourne City)

One year left on his deal but a World Cup appearance could stimulate offers.

Aziz Behich (Bursaspor, Turkey)

Galatasaray were interested in January and a big World Cup will see offers fly in.

Jamie Maclaren (Darmstadt, Germany)

A new home beckons after Hibernian loan goals and World Cup call-up.

Mile Jedinak (Aston Villa, England)

Still contracted but playoff heartache means a move can’t be ruled out.

Tomi Juric (Luzern, Switzerland)

Covets a move to Germany after two years at the Swiss club.

Mark Milligan (Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia)

Signed on with the Saudi giants, but a move is possible.

Josh Risdon (Western Sydney)

Eager to move abroad and a strong display against France could be his ticket.

Robbie Kruse (Bochum, Germany)

Attracted Bundesliga interest but likely to stay until January at least.

Dimi Petratos (Newcastle Jets)

A solid Russia 2018 showing could attract overseas interest.

January’s Asian Cup complicates matters for Aussies, with European clubs loath to sign players featuring in mid-season international tournaments.

Outside of the 23-man squad, Fran Karacic (Lokomotiva Zagreb), Brandon Borrello (Kaiserlslautern) and Josh Brillante (Sydney FC) could also move.

Fran Karacic didn’t make the final cut, but would still have attracted some attention. Pic: Toby Zerna

Behich, 27, is on verge of cult status at Bursaspor, a shining light in a tough season where the left-back netted five goals after giants Galatasaray almost signed him five months ago.

“There was a bit of talk between the clubs, but I’m happy at Bursa,’’ Behich said.

“I haven’t spoken with the club (transfer-wise) but I know they value me highly.

“In Turkey not many players can say they stay at a club more than 2-3 years. Players get chopped. I’ve been there over five years so I’m like a local in Bursa.

“I’m there for another year. I’m not sure what the future holds but I’m trying not think about that, just focus on the World Cup.”

Juric said there were “sniffs” last season and in January from Germany, but would delay club negotiations until post Russia.

“I’ll finish the World Cup, take a holiday and maybe in the meantime something changes,’’ Juric said.

“The club wasn’t interested in selling (in the last two windows). Now may be different. After the World Cup finishes we’ll have a chat and see what happens.”

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