That’s the question. With Gerrard’s MLS stint with LA Galaxy now over, could the Liverpool legend end up in the Hyundai A-League to finish off his fabulous playing career?
Speculation in the UK has linked Gerrard with a return to Liverpool – where he enjoyed an illustrious 17-year career – in a coaching role.
Or even a reunion with Brendan Rodgers at Tommy Rogic’s Celtic.
Stats news: Hyundai A-League set for goals record
But it would be worth Hyundai A-League clubs asking the question of the former England skipper.
We’ve already seen the impact Caltex Socceroos legend Tim Cahill has had on the competition so far this season, and how good would it be to have Stevie G on board as well? Even if for a short while.
Here are six reasons why Gerrard may be tempted to enjoy a summer of football in Australia.
LIVERPOOL’S IMMENSE SUPPORT IN AUSTRALIA AND ASIA
Gerrard has enjoyed his couple of trips Down Under with the Reds in recent years and has never ruled out a playing stint in Australia.
He would still have fond memories of that incredible night in Melbourne in 2013 when more than 95,000 fans packed into the MCG as Liverpool beat Melbourne Victory 2-0.
That atmosphere and rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” would certainly have left an impression on the former England midfielder.
And as we’ve seen in the past when huge names like Del Piero play in Australia, it attracts fans in Asia who’d be happy to jump on a plane to see their hero in this part of the world.
And what better way to cap his playing career than by playing in front of thousands of fans each week that admire and adore him.
Fans from other codes more into the EPL would surely be tempted to attend games, lured by the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a great of the Premier League play for an Aussie club.
He would certainly feel at home here. And a great way to say thanks to his and Liverpool’s fans in this region.
LUIS GARCIA CONNECTION
If he’s looking for some advice on whether to play in the Hyundai A-League he could speak to former Red Luis Garcia.
The pair were part of the Liverpool Legends side that played the Australian Legends in Sydney earlier this year, one which led to Garcia joining Central Coast Mariners on a short-term deal till April.
Gerrard’s stint could be similar to Garcia’s, joining as a guest marquee for the second half of the season, with an eye on learning more about coaching in a new and growing league.
Given his undoubted desire to return to the Reds one day, a short stint in the Hyundai A-League would appear to suit on the surface.
COACHING DEVELOPMENT
For a would-be coach, there’s nothing better than seeing different football cultures. To play in such a multi-cultural and tactical competition as the Hyundai A-League will surely give Gerrard another perspective on how the game is played – particularly if he gets a chance to take one or two sessions for his club in Australia.
THE CLUBS
So which clubs are after a player like Gerrard and could accommodate him into their midfield.
Runaway league-leaders Sydney FC’s squad is already strong, while Melbourne City’s marquee roster is full ruling them out.
The most obvious choice would be Melbourne Victory, who have shown an interest in adding another marquee player to their roster this season.
While their visa spots are full at the moment, Besart Berisha’s impending Australian citizenship would free up a spot in late January for the rest of the season.
And there’s little doubt Victory are one of the most professional football clubs in Australia.
What a marketers dream: Gerrard v Cahill in the Melbourne Derby. They could fill the MCG for that one on February 4 (currently scheduled for Etihad).
Newcastle Jets, Western Sydney Wanderers and Adelaide United are other clubs who would like a bit more drive and nous out of their midfield (and the latter two also have ACL commitments) to reinvigorate their season.
It may mean a little bit of re-jigging of their rosters to fit him in, but it could be done in the January window.
As for Newcastle Jets, what a way to promote their club in China.
Which company wouldn’t want to sponsor such a stint?
THE LIFESTYLE
Australia is a stable, relatively safe country that is known for its hospitality and natural beauty. That we know.
From a family perspective, Gerrard – like many other superstars who have played here, including Juninho, Dwight Yorke and Del Piero – would have little problem enjoying a summer in the Land Downunder.
No language barrier, a friendly environment away from the spotlight back in Liverpool where he could, largely, be left alone.
While the UK shivers, his family could enjoy the beaches and outdoor lifestyle we all love here in Oz.
THE FOOTBALL
The Hyundai A-League is a growing competition with a good standard. Many reckon it’s similar to the MLS.
Proof of that is in the players who ply their trade here. Brazilian Bobo, Slovakian Filip Holosko, Dane Thomas Kristensen, Argentine Nico Martinez, Serbian Milos Ninkovic, Spaniard Diego Castro, Irishman Andy Keogh, German Thomas Broich, Albanian Besart Berisha and of course Timmy Cahill.
Will it happen? Who knows, but it’d be some story if Stevie G ended up kicking a football across Australia for a few months.
