All eyes on Troisi as he considers City move
DAVID DAVUTOVIC AND MATT WINDLEY SOCCEROO James Troisi could be set for a shock defection to Melbourne Victory’s arch enemy Melbourne City.
The free agent is back in Melbourne after a post-Confederations Cup holiday in New York – where he posted photos with Tim Cahill – and it’s understood City has tabled a marquee offer.
City’s interest in Troisi was revealed in March, though nothing was formalised as the attacker appeared destined to re-sign.
City has since swooped for Troisi after Victory talks broke down, and offered him the spot vacated by Nicolas Colazo.
But, in a twist, it is also understood that an offer from Victory – albeit heavily reduced – remains on the table, leaving the door ajar for an un- likely reconciliation Kevin Muscat.
Victory will not offer Troisi a marquee spot despite having a position free after the departure of Oliver Bozanic – which suggests coach Muscat now has his sights set elsewhere – but is open to the 29-year-old returning under the salary cap.
The marquee offer tabled to Troisi by City would be roughly equivalent to that which netted Argentine Colazo last with season – just under $600,000.
Troisi, who has won 32 Socceroos caps, appeared destined to make a move to Israeli club Maccabi Haifa after he underwent a medical there last week and was even photographed holding a Maccabi scarf.
But with that deal having since fallen through, a return to the A-League now seems most likely, with a mooted move to newly promoted English Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion also off the table.
The South Australian has also attracted interest from clubs in Russia and Turkey since he walked away from the Israel deal, with his next move of critical importance ahead of the season leading up to the 2018 World Cup.
City’s only marquee as it stands is striker Bruno Fornaroli, with Cahill moving inside the salary cap this season.