In a bit of a surprise move, Everton has agreed to sell midfielder Tim Cahill to the New York red Bulls of America’s Major League Soccer (MLS). The deal has reportedly gone through for U.S. $1.5 million, which is close to a million pounds. The 32-year-old will be joining former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry in New York after spending the last eight years in the English Premier League.
Cahill just has to pass his medical in New York for the deal to be finalized. With Cahill leaving it looks like Everton will try to sign Steven Pienaar from Spurs permanently after he was loaned back to Everton after they sold him to Spurs.
Some people thought Cahill might end up in the Middle East somewhere if he left Merseyside, but he’ll become one of the first Australian footballers to head to the American league. The timing is a little bit odd though since M LS is about halfway through their current season with the Cup Final being played in November after the league wraps up.
Cahill started his career in England with Millwall and helped them reach the FA Cup Final against Man United in 2004, where they lost 3-0. Cahill was impressive in Millwall’s cup run and scored the semi-final winner against Sunderland. David Moyes then signed him in time for the Toffees 2004/05 season and he’s been one of the club’s most consistent players since.
Cahill signed a four-year contract extension back in 2010, but has had injury problems over the last year and a half. He played 278 games with Everton and scored 68 goals, many of them with his head. In fact, Cahill is one of the best headers of the ball I’ve ever seen. I’m sure most Everton fans will miss the Wizard from Oz and best of luck to Cahill in New York.
