An Act of Selfishness
Statistically Melbourne City had their best season by far but ultimately still failed as they fell short again with their season finishing once again in the penultimate week. It is more than likely that the squad will once again undertake major changes and once again their fans will be spending much of their time in the off season learning about the new players.
New squads are not new to City supporters and it’s probably just a by-product of the restricted A-League market, but you can’t help but think the continuing turnover of players has to have a profound effect on supporter numbers. Whilst you always support the shirt, you do grow attached to players over time and the frustration grows as season by season you lose a large percentage of the squad, and more importantly key players.
It’s being reported that Aaron Mooy is on his way out of City and it would be selfish to deny the very talented player another shot at European football. Mooy is clearly way too good to continue his football in Australia, and I think Francis Leach described it best when he referred to Mooy playing for City was like Jimmy Page playing in a garage band.
Aaron Mooy is the best player I’ve seen in a Melbourne City shirt, and probably will remain that way for some time, and whilst I have always put player and national interest ahead of and self interest you can’t help but do the following equation in your head and wonder “what if?”
City Football Group need a transfer fee like I need a new Socceroos shirt, City still need to find a foothold in the Melbourne sporting market. Aaron Mooy appears settled and is head and shoulders above any other Australian player in the league.
What if Melbourne City tables an offer Aaron Mooy cannot refuse and not only secures a quality player for the next five seasons but get a player they can build the future of the club around. Mooy becomes the face of Melbourne City over the next few seasons and signs a five year, $10 million dollar deal to keep his young family in Australia and build the City club around him. Whilst it would be incredibly selfish to even suggest Mooy put his football career ahead of any self interest the club has one would also think it was irresponsible for such a rich football club not to put forward an offer.
City needs Mooy more than any other player on the current list and need to build its dwindling support. Sure there will always be new players coming and going throughout the club but in only their third season of A-League football City could really out the cat amongst the pigeons and offer Mooy a substantial financial reward in which he puts any idea of a second stint in Europe on the backburner.
Of course all this would seem ridiculous given the potential Mooy could unlock overseas not only for his domestic career but his Socceroos years ahead. A record Australian transfer fee awaits to the magic man we know as Aaron Mooy but City could do a lot worse than to tempt the wizard with their solid gold wand.
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