Nah, it was Kovac from memory. Actually Singh had a very real chance of getting into the first team under him fairly regularly. During those times was also his best form. All naturally derailed when flick came in. One can only imagine what could have been.
I think those leagues along with Switzerland and Austria and maybe even France would be perfect for him. Netherlands probably the best though.
One major issue he might have is visas. He's not got a Euro Passport so would need a visa to play in those other nations. Maybe he's trying to get his German passport to allow him to play across the EU visa free. A move out of Germany would ruin that.
I would love Singh to come back to NZ and play in the ALeague. He would be a star here and put himself in the spotlight for another shot in Europe. It worked for Rojas. He’s too good a player to be rotting on the bench at a low tier German club. Nix probably couldn’t afford him but Bling FC certainly could.
So appears Singh doesn't have a contract with Hansa Rostock for the German 3rd tier, whatever that means. That's even though he still has 2 years left on his 3 year contract.
Now that he's officially a free agent. Should we come knocking?
He's a huge talent. I know we'd love to see him stick it out in Europe but he's had a rough go of it. What about a season back home to get the confidence back and re establish himself as a force and get another crack at European dream after a dominant season back home?
Has there ever been a Kiwi player return to the Nix from overseas (excluding an Aussie ALM club)? Smeltz's 2nd Nix stint was via a short stint with Kedah in Malaysia, but really he was a long time ALM player.
Elliot after not playing at all with Xanthi in Greece is one who did return.
But really I think once guys leave the Nix for Europe, they ain't coming back. Auckland (his home town) more likely for Singh you feel re an A League return.
Money is Sarpreet finds a gig in Europe. Denmark, Holland, Belgium those sort of leagues. Des at Oxford in The Championship a longer shot.
I would hope Domey has made it known to his agent that we are always there for him, if he wants to re-launch his career back in the ALM. He would be ideal for how Chief has us playing tbh.
He'd be a perfect Old replacement. I'd understand him wanting to go back to Auckland being his hometown and they'd probs offer him more money but I would say its more of a risk going to an entirely new club with no idea how they'd go as a team where we will have a quite settled side which should really make the top 6 and will help him get back into the conversation of going back to Europe.
If it is a straight shootout between Nix & Auckland he will go to Auckland for sure.
Nix Pros: Familiar environment (if not many familiar faces, Rufer the only player left from his time at the club), established & currently successful coach and playing style
Auckland Pros: hometown, more money, excitement of the start of a new project, title-winning coach
It's really a no-brainer, unfortunately for us. I'd still love to see him return to the A-League for a year, recapture his mojo at club level and jet off overseas again to this time make a success of it
An ALM contract should always be his fall back option. Our season starts much later, so hopefully his agent shops him around Europe in pre-season before looking to come back.
The best outcome! Not tied to a 3rd division club. No one has to buy him and can just pay his wages. Can't stress enough how important his next choice of club is. Real shades of Marco Rojas in terms of getting move after move wrong, before having to return to the A-league. Arguably two of our most technical players ever, not really reaching the 'next level'. Of course Singh is younger, but how many chances will he get if he doesn't make the step up now? Rooting for him!
I've always thought I'd hate to see him back in the a-league so soon, but at this point one season as a starter in a team that suits him is just what he needs. He clearly still has absolute class every time he pulls the white jersey on
Anything that gets him regular minutes on the park every week has to be better than sitting on the bench for weeks on end. Coming back to Auckland might be a quality drop, but at least he'd be playing and hopefully dominating the league with a chance of a move back to Europe in a years time.
Another Shaun Gill comment from the pod. Singh has same agent as Kraev, and Nix enquired about Sarpreet late last year
Feedback then was he is not interested in a ALM return, wants to stay in Europe
Interesting, I understand it, but he hasnt exactly had the greatest advertisement of his skills while in Germany so I'm not sure it's gonna be easy for him to land a spot at a club that's gonna work for him. I fear that he is going to end up doing a Rojas and drift in and out of clubs, sitting on the bench for many and not getting/taking the chances to show his skills. For the AW's having him wasting away on a bench in Europe somewhere is not ideal.
If not for that osteitis pubis injury he would have landed at Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. Covid you also feel stymied his development. Sounds like he had a really miserable time then stuck at Nuremberg, isolated, alone in a German winter.
His next move is very important, and him plus his agent need to make sure it is the right club, right manager etc. But there are dozens of clubs in Europe at a good level, where that could happen. Avoiding a club that's likely to be in a relegation dogfight early on (like his last 2 seasons) would be very useful starting point. NZ meanwhile has 2 ALM clubs, and if he's not that inspired/motivated yet to return downunder why bother.
German football is extremely difficult for "small built, technically gifted" players. It was never a good fit for Sarpreet. He should have no problem finding a European club but I would say, the Belgian or Eredivisie will suit his style of play better.
In the words of a former great footballer " in Germany, you just run, and run some more".
German football is extremely difficult for "small built, technically gifted" players. It was never a good fit for Sarpreet. He should have no problem finding a European club but I would say, the Belgian or Eredivisie will suit his style of play better.
In the words of a former great footballer " in Germany, you just run, and run some more".
Would prefer the Eredivisie, but Belgium could be a good shout. Strange league, players seem to be either massive units who are very physical, or diminutive creative players who pretty much run the game (and are often Japanese tbh). Seems like a league where the 10 position is still king, so could be beneficial to Sarpreet. He definitely has the chops to tear it up there
Sarpreet and Zirkzee were teammates for Bayern Munich II back in 2019/20.
Mental.
BREAKING: Manchester United are in talks with Joshus Zirkzee’s representatives after making it clear they are prepared to meet the Bologna forward’s €40m release clause 🔴 pic.twitter.com/Bf5qrsGxj7
Sarpreet and Zirkzee were teammates for Bayern Munich II back in 2019/20.
Mental.
BREAKING: Manchester United are in talks with Joshus Zirkzee’s representatives after making it clear they are prepared to meet the Bologna forward’s €40m release clause 🔴 pic.twitter.com/Bf5qrsGxj7
23 yr old Zirkee's career was really kick started by a great season (2021/22) at Anderlecht in the Belgian top flight, on loan from Bayern. 16 goals in 38 games. Admittedly he was alot younger at age 19-20, than Singh (25) is now.
Anyway hopefully Sarpreet gets some inspiration from the success of a former team mate, to keep plugging away in Europe. Just got to find that club, manager & league where he's wanted, and can play the way that suits him.