Sarpreet Singh (União de Leiria | Portugal)
A Kiwi at the Nou Camp? Probably not
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350294756/hansi-flick-replaces-xavi-barcelona-manager
I think those leagues along with Switzerland and Austria and maybe even France would be perfect for him. Netherlands probably the best though.
One major issue he might have is visas. He's not got a Euro Passport so would need a visa to play in those other nations. Maybe he's trying to get his German passport to allow him to play across the EU visa free. A move out of Germany would ruin that.
Pretty sure he's changed agents too.
Feels like he needs a change of country and scene. Be delighted to see him in the UK / NL.
He's a huge talent. I know we'd love to see him stick it out in Europe but he's had a rough go of it. What about a season back home to get the confidence back and re establish himself as a force and get another crack at European dream after a dominant season back home?
Elliot after not playing at all with Xanthi in Greece is one who did return.
But really I think once guys leave the Nix for Europe, they ain't coming back. Auckland (his home town) more likely for Singh you feel re an A League return.
Money is Sarpreet finds a gig in Europe. Denmark, Holland, Belgium those sort of leagues. Des at Oxford in The Championship a longer shot.
He'd be a perfect Old replacement. I'd understand him wanting to go back to Auckland being his hometown and they'd probs offer him more money but I would say its more of a risk going to an entirely new club with no idea how they'd go as a team where we will have a quite settled side which should really make the top 6 and will help him get back into the conversation of going back to Europe.
Nix Pros: Familiar environment (if not many familiar faces, Rufer the only player left from his time at the club), established & currently successful coach and playing style
Auckland Pros: hometown, more money, excitement of the start of a new project, title-winning coach
It's really a no-brainer, unfortunately for us. I'd still love to see him return to the A-League for a year, recapture his mojo at club level and jet off overseas again to this time make a success of it
The best outcome! Not tied to a 3rd division club. No one has to buy him and can just pay his wages.
Can't stress enough how important his next choice of club is. Real shades of Marco Rojas in terms of getting move after move wrong, before having to return to the A-league.
Arguably two of our most technical players ever, not really reaching the 'next level'.
Of course Singh is younger, but how many chances will he get if he doesn't make the step up now?
Rooting for him!
He clearly still has absolute class every time he pulls the white jersey on
Feedback then was he is not interested in a ALM return, wants to stay in Europe
Feedback then was he is not interested in a ALM return, wants to stay in Europe
Interesting, I understand it, but he hasnt exactly had the greatest advertisement of his skills while in Germany so I'm not sure it's gonna be easy for him to land a spot at a club that's gonna work for him. I fear that he is going to end up doing a Rojas and drift in and out of clubs, sitting on the bench for many and not getting/taking the chances to show his skills. For the AW's having him wasting away on a bench in Europe somewhere is not ideal.
His next move is very important, and him plus his agent need to make sure it is the right club, right manager etc. But there are dozens of clubs in Europe at a good level, where that could happen. Avoiding a club that's likely to be in a relegation dogfight early on (like his last 2 seasons) would be very useful starting point. NZ meanwhile has 2 ALM clubs, and if he's not that inspired/motivated yet to return downunder why bother.
He should have no problem finding a European club but I would say, the Belgian or Eredivisie will suit his style of play better.
In the words of a former great footballer " in Germany, you just run, and run some more".
He should have no problem finding a European club but I would say, the Belgian or Eredivisie will suit his style of play better.
In the words of a former great footballer " in Germany, you just run, and run some more".
Mental.
BREAKING: Manchester United are in talks with Joshus Zirkzee’s representatives after making it clear they are prepared to meet the Bologna forward’s €40m release clause 🔴 pic.twitter.com/Bf5qrsGxj7
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 24, 2024
Mental.
BREAKING: Manchester United are in talks with Joshus Zirkzee’s representatives after making it clear they are prepared to meet the Bologna forward’s €40m release clause 🔴 pic.twitter.com/Bf5qrsGxj7
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 24, 2024
Man U might as well scoop up Sarpreet too then!
23 yr old Zirkee's career was really kick started by a great season (2021/22) at Anderlecht in the Belgian top flight, on loan from Bayern. 16 goals in 38 games. Admittedly he was alot younger at age 19-20, than Singh (25) is now.
But Zirkee had an unsuccessful short loan spell at Parma, before finding his feet in Belgium. After that break out season Bayern sold him to Bologna for €8.5M
https://us.soccerway.com/players/joshua-zirkzee/516377/
Anyway hopefully Sarpreet gets some inspiration from the success of a former team mate, to keep plugging away in Europe. Just got to find that club, manager & league where he's wanted, and can play the way that suits him.
Sarpreet Singh on the radar of Oxford United (and others). https://t.co/FDVc5lau1X
— Jason Pine (@pineynz) July 18, 2024
Finally some Sarpreet rumours flying about!
Too good to come back to the A-League, so hopefully something is in the pipeline for him in the UK 🤞
Would be massive for New Zealand if we can get him back and playing week in, week out, especially at such a high level in the Championship.
We could even have a fully European based midfield for the national team! How good.
Hoping he gives a good showing at the Olympics too. We'll need him to be firing if we're any hope of causing a threat on goal in France.
MLS clubs & Germany also on the radar apparently.
I like the idea of Oxford, because Des knows him very well, and if he wants Sarpreet it's because he will have a proper plan how he will fit in with the way Oxford setup. Plus means he also must think he can do well in the hurly burly Championship.
Negative is that Oxford are likely a relegation contender, and that's been a big problem for Singh the last few seasons, being at clubs fighting to survive. Ain't no relegation in the MLS.
🇳🇿 NZ international Sarpreet Singh has interest from a number of EFL sides, two of which are Championship sides QPR & Oxford United.
— FernsHub (@FernsHub) July 18, 2024
Sarpreet also has options in both Germany & the MLS
[@SportsPeteO]
Singh is currently a free agent with his contract at Hansa expiring. pic.twitter.com/PHyclYcyIq
Playing under Buckingham again would really help him. The worry would be if they are at the foot of the table come the New Year, would the axe swing on Buckingham?
Playing under Buckingham again would really help him. The worry would be if they are at the foot of the table come the New Year, would the axe swing on Buckingham?
That would be the same for any club
Playing under Buckingham again would really help him. The worry would be if they are at the foot of the table come the New Year, would the axe swing on Buckingham?
That would be the same for any club
The UK coaching scene is cut throat (all of Europe really), but Des does have a lot of inbuilt goodwill at Oxford. Grew up supporting the team, had a couple of years as a player in their youth system, first coaching gigs were with their age group teams, got them up into The Championship for the first time in 25 years. Lots of good mileage there.
So would be a big call to sack him as coach at any stage, even if they were struggling through the season.
The UK coaching scene is cut throat (all of Europe really), but Des does have a lot on inbuilt goodwill at Oxford. Grew up supporting the team, had a couple of years as a player in their youth system, first coaching gigs were with their age group teams, got them up into The Championship for the first time in 25 years. Lots of goodwill there.
So would be a big call to sack him as coach at any stage, even if they were struggling through the season.
Depends on the funds he has etc. But Singh on a free is a good deal. 1 or 2 more like that would be great.