By Ed Gooden
As the first few weeks of the 2019/20 season begin to kick-off, our eyes remain tracked on the Australians who remain speckled across the world’s biggest and smallest leagues.
The European transfer window rolls on, and for some of our Socceroos, a summer transfer may be on the cards.
A player who may be keen on a move away is Celtic’s Tom Rogic, who has struggled for playing time after the departure of Brendan Rodgers and the worsening of a long niggling knee injury. Celtic’s youth player philosophy has worked well for Rogic in the past, but with the 26-year-old falling behind young Scottish star Ryan Christie, Rogic’s sparkling 5-year contract extension in 2018 may be played out elsewhere.
Further South on the English Coast, a Socceroo who did manage a July move was Aaron Mooy, who left Huddersfield on loan to join-up with Mat Ryan in Brighton. Mooy is expected to play a major role in the Seagull’s midfield moving further into the season, but has made just one substitute appearance so far. Brighton face Bristol in the League Cup on the 28th, a game Mooy will be set to start in.
In the Championship, Hull City main-stay and now club captain Jackson Irvine started in a 1 – 3 loss at home to Bristol, who were without captain and Socceroo Bailey Wright who is reportedly more than 2 months away from a return to full-fitness. Bottom side Stoke featured Adam Federici, who made his first ever start for the club as the Potters lost for the fourth time this season falling to Leeds United 0 – 3 away from home.
Elsewhere in Europe, Matt Leckie’s Hertha Berlin are riding every high and every low as they picked up a massive point against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, with the Australian starting at right-back. However, the week after – with Leckie on the bench – Hertha fell at home in a 0 – 3 drubbing to Wolfsburg.
In Denmark, Mustafa Armini and Zach Duncan partnered in midfield for AFG, and Awer Mabil started and scored for FC Midtjylland as they continue their chase of leaders F.C Copenhagen in the Danish Superliga.
In the US, Sam Kerr’s Chicago Redstars fell yet again as they dropped another 3-points to a Hayley Raso-led Portland Thorns side. Kerr’s side had led for much of the campaign, but have lost their last three games to give the North Carolina Courage and Portland a commanding lead ahead of the last few games of the season.
To hear all the latest news and discussion about all our overseas players, be sure to tune in to Aussies Abroad with Damian Davies and Nick Rupolo, 8pm Mondays on FNR Football Nation Radio.
