Uruguay Star Recoba Linked With Sensational Perth Glory Move
The superstar who has been Australian football's foe in the past could become its best friend in the future.

Uruguay international and former Internazionale star Alvaro Recoba could be playing for the Perth Glory in the A-League this season.

According to a report in Fairfax newspaper The Sydney Morning Herald, the club have “opened negotiations” with the superstar, who is nearing the end of his contract with Greek club Panionios.

Having only signed for the Athenians at the beginning of last season, his campaign was disrupted by injury despite sporadic flashes of brilliance.

More consistent were the performances of his international team-mate Fabian Estoyanoff - though his name has not been linked with a move to Australia.

The Herald claims that 33 year-old Recoba would command approximately $1.2 million a season to play for the Glory.

The speculation however is oddly-timed, with the Glory reportedly in the middle of negotiations to bring Brazilian World Cup-winner Denilson to the club on a seven-match guest stint.

Whilst the impact of the apparent talks with Recoba on that move remains unclear, it is perhaps a sign of the increasing pulling power of the fledgling competition.

Current Australia international Jason Culina and former Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler have been the two highest-profile signings ahead of the new A-League season.

Culina and Fowler will be playing for new franchises Gold Coast United and North Queensland Fury, respectively, as the clubs seek to establish themselves on the Australian football landscape.

However, Perth’s predicament is decidedly different; a former giant of the now extinct National Soccer League – the A-League’s ancestor – the fall from grace for the West Australian club has been swift.

Having lost touch with their supporter base and seen a number of on-pitch moves fail during the opening four seasons of the A-League, administrative stability and results have eluded the former NSL Champions.

Reports of a move for Denilson and now Recoba reflect a mind-set whereby the club – in the words of one of the former’s representatives – have “bitten the bullet” and are looking to re-assert themselves as a force, led by owner Tony Sage.

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Recoba will be booed by every australian there, but that could be good. passion.