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Report: Out-of-contract Onyewu undecided on future

OguchiOnyewuSheffieldWednesday3 (Getty)

By RYAN TOLMICH

The career of Oguchi Onyewu has spanned 11 years and 220 games and seven countries and, after spending last season with Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, the 32-year-old American defender is still undecided on the next chapter.

Onyewu is currently on the market after signing a short-term contract with the the Owls in January and, while he hasn’t ruled out a return to the club, the two time World Cup veteran will weigh his options.

“Right now no decisions have been made, but I’m aiming to stay in the UK,” Onyewu said. “It’s always a possibility that I will stay at Wednesday. But I want to weigh up my options before I make a final decision.

“Who knows, maybe I’ll have the opportunity to play for Newcastle again. You never know.”

Sheffield Wednesday manager Stuart Gray has expressed his interest in bringing back the 32-year-old centerback, going so far as to express his disappointment in his omission from the U.S. Men’s National Team’s World Cup roster.

“We were disappointed for ‘Gooch’ because he’s a good professional and a good lad,” Gray said. “It’s how it goes. He wanted to come here and prove his fitness was up to scratch. I think he did that, but in the end the manager decided to go down a different route. I know he will be very disappointed he didn’t make the squad because he’s played in two World Cups.”

Prior to his time with the Owls, Onyewu struggled through frustrating times at Malaga and Queens Park Rangers. Onyewu’s career has also seen him play for clubs such as Sporting CP, AC Milan and the aforementioned Newcastle.

Where would you like to see Onyewu end up? Is Sheffield Wednesday a good fit for him? Would MLS be a realistic option?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. He said he wants to stay in the UK, so I assume that’s where he will land, whether that’s in the Championship or Premiership.

    Reply
    • you could say that

      but you could also say he signed with AC MILAN

      played for Sporting Lisbon and had some big CL games with Malaga. not too terrible but yeah underwhelming. had he not have had that injury against COSTA RICA, might have actually gotten some games for Milan in 09-10

      or if he just signed with Marseille or wolverhampton or a turkish club his career would have ended up more prestigious

      but still he has had $$$$$$$$$$

      and nearly 70 caps with the NT

      Reply
  2. English are delusional; this guy actually thought Gooch had a shot at the USA roster?

    Still a good player but not on that level… Not many English-Championship player in the WC.

    Reply
    • So… I think that Besler is Championship level. And probably Beckerman. And Mix. And Gonzo. Zusi. Raimondo. Beez.

      There’s a mix of higher and lower on the rest of the roster.I.e., Wondo lower. Yedln not yet known.

      Reply
      • Hey GW, it is just my opinion. Based Just on observation. I have been wtching a lot of MLS lately. I will admit to not seeing a lot of championship soccer though since changing subscriptions. Just feels a step coarser than EPL.

        Don’t get me wrong though. I think the champiOnship is a very stout (but not very sublime) league.

  3. Is there a team in the MLS that couldn’t use an upgrade like Gooch? Maybe San Jose doesn’t need him? Every other team would be delighted to have him.

    Reply
    • Learn the anti-Jozy lesson: when you hit your groove stop moving. They played him 19 games in part of a season. They want him back. I’m sure someone would sign him here and he could move towards retirement, but he is not going to be a hot market item paid big money, after missing the team.

      Reply
  4. Germany is on and Brazil is later. See you in a few. I love SBI ’cause I can actually educate some people here. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Absolutely! But only because I’m selfish and I’d love the opportunity to watch him play in person. He obviously needs to do what makes the most sense financially for his family, and MLS teams may be reluctant to hand over DP type money for his services. At 32, if he can collect a fat paycheck in the UK then more power to him.

      Reply
      • rees,

        I wonder about guys that don’t want him to play in MLS. bizzarre.

      • I think he should go wherever he can get the biggest paycheck and I doubt that will be MLS. It doesn’t makes sense for an MLS team to spend significant DP money on him given his age/skills. He’s not a type of player that will get many people in the seats either.

    • Come back to MLS

      In all seriousness, I don’t think it is a good fit. How much is he expecting to make ?
      I am looking at Chad Marshall, wishing he was playing in Brazil, making $270k.

      I don’t think too many MLS teams are willing/able to pay him DP money…regardless if you think he is worth it or not.

      Reply
      • I also think the mid-season timing here is not his friend. Villa will be joining a new team for the start of a new season. The cap structure can be fitted around him. Whereas Gooch and anyone else trying to make a summer move have to push their way into an existing team with contracts to uphold and a structure in place. He’s marginal enough I wouldn’t upset my applecart to squeeze him in.

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