It’s about time for our annual link with a move for Croatian centre-back Josip Simunic.
We were rumoured to heavily interested in Simunic, who Graham Poll famously sent off after three yellow cards at the last World Cup, last season but he opted to stay at Hertha Berlin, who whom he signed a five-year deal in 2006.
Simunic, now 31, has never hidden his desire to play in the Premier League but he fears that his may have missed his opportunity.
I don’t know if this dream is over, but I am a Hertha player at the moment and I only focus on the next game.
According to their general manager, Dieter Hoeness, Hertha could be tempted to part company with the Croatian in the summer if a big money bid was forthcoming.
There is a hidden danger because it [Simunic’s good form] could make other clubs aware of his existence. Joe is one of the best defenders in Europe.
Not long ago, some people doubted he had the fitness to play in Bundlesiga – now he has shown what he can do. He is an outstanding talent.
Hoeness is certainly open to the idea of Simunic’s departure, saying it could help fund new signings.
By selling, we have the chance to build our squad. We can sell players and then spend smaller sums on quality new signings – it gives us a way forwards for the future.
Since these sort of quotes appear every year, I wouldn’t hold your breath. It’s sort of a very minor-level Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid type story, without the ridiculous media interest.
Not a big fan of Simunic the ‘Croatian’. The Australia v Croatia World Cup game had 10 players in the squads who where born, raised, trained (and were given Australian Institute of Sport assistance – Simunic lived at the Institute for 2 years!) in Australia with one or more Croatian parents – 7 in the Australian squad (Mark Viduka being one), 3 in the Croatian. So he took Australian money and training and then decided to play for Croatia!
Good point you make Geoff
Simunic is also an extremely volatile player, prone to self destructin mentally on-field. I dont think he’d be a good fit for the whites, his hot headedness and individual nature no match for the gel of the current back four. He’s ageing too – we need some strong youthfulness if anything – cant see Roy going for him at all…