Gooch Not Going To Boro Just Yet

June 6th, 2006 | by: Daryl |

Seems Onyewu’s move to Middlesbrough isn’t quite a done deal yet. “Nothing has been worked out in my eyes,” Onyewu told Yanks Abroad. “That is just like I was signing with Manchester (United) earlier.”

His agent Will Sherling said “There is interest from a number of clubs in England and throughout Europe. There are options but as of now there is no deal done.”

In a weird way this is good news. I’d rather Onyewu was focused on the World Cup, as opposed to negotiating with Boro. If he has a decent June and July he’ll be in a strong position to strike a good deal, maybe with a bigger club than Boro.

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Cajun Nick

Daryl,

I agree that I’d prefer that the negotiating were finished so that Gooch’s concentration was fully on the Cup.

However, you’ve pointed out a great risk that he’s taking:

He certainly could get much more money – or at least a more prominent club – by waiting until July if he has a good World Cup.

The danger here, of course, is that the US is certainly drawn into either the toughest or 2nd toughest group of the tournament. If he were in another group (Group D, for example) he might not have quite as much to worry about.

I’ve got faith in him and the US, but I am also aware of the quality of opposition he’s facing. And he stands as good of a chance of making a mess of things as he does of improving his club situation.

I’m a cautious fellow. I believe that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, and I think that Gooch would be advised to make the progression to Boro (or similarly placed EPL club) now. After a couple of seasons of steady play, he’d be primed to be swallowed by a bigger fish in the pond.
chuck

Agree — plus, if he gets signed with a club that’s “too” good, he’ll be riding the Beasley-Bench, and risk losing form, confidence, fitness, etc.
Cajun Nick

Great point, Chuck.

As an example, Arsenal (given their recent connection to Belgium) might like to have Onyewu on the bench to replace Sol Campbell – but, that’s where he’d stay with Senderos likely to fill in for Campbell in the starting XI.

People could look at the situation and say, “Hey, Gooch’s playing for Arsenal! He’s ‘top flight’!”

But, in reality, he’d just be another guy on the bench.

Much better to play at a mid-level club in a top European league than ride pine.