Another strong performance from Glover could see City through to the final. (Photo: Melbourne City FC)
Jordan Bos stole headlines earlier in the week with the announcement of his record-breaking transfer to Belgian outfit KVC Westerlo, but he’s not the only Melbourne City player set for an off-season switch.
Goalkeeper Tom Glover is eyeing his opportunities overseas come season’s end, while Marco Tilio and Aiden O’Neill are two other talents touted to take the next step in their burgeoning careers.
Speaking to media on Thursday, Glover was candid in regard to where his career’s at.
“I think when I came back here to Melbourne City my ambitions were to go back overseas. I’ve been here four years now so I feel like now’s the right time to take that step over to Europe,” Glover said.
“I came back here to play men’s football and gain senior experience… that’s what I came here to do, and I feel like I’ve done that.”
While a move does beckon, understandably, it isn’t front of mind for Glover as of yet.
“I’m leaving that towards the end of the season. My main focus is the rest of this season,” he said.
“It’s this training session today, and then tomorrow’s game and once the season’s wrapped up and done then I’ll speak to my manager and we can assess all options then.
“I’m not really thinking too much ahead and just focusing on what lies ahead of me in Sydney FC.”
But is anywhere off the cards? Glover says no.
“I’m happy to go anywhere. Learning a new language excites me. Wherever’s the best opportunity,” he said.
“Whether that be England, whether that be France, whether that be Germany. I’m not really fussed in terms of whereabouts I end up.
“It’s just what’s the best move progressing forward as a footballer and taking that next step.”
Playing time is however a priority for the Tottenham Hotspur academy product.
“That’s why you play football is to play, and playing the last four years I don’t wanna stop playing now that I’ve got a taste for what senior football is,” Glover said.
“I don’t wanna go to Europe for the sake of Europe. It’s gotta be the right opportunity and whatever’s gonna put me in the best light to be playing games over there.”
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Somewhat comically, Glover was sensationally linked with the Ryan Reynolds-backed Wrexham throughout the week, with SportBible even reporting he’d signed a pre-contract agreement.
Glover however put the rumours to bed once and for all.
“We can squash that mate, that’s all a rumour,” he said.
“I’m actually a fan. I think someone saw that I followed them on Instagram and made a fake Tweet and it’s blown up… my phone has been blowing up.
“I laugh at it, I think it’s funny, just how something so small has turned into something so big.”
The speculation comes as Glover has found arguably career-best form.
He was pivotal in the first leg of City’s A-League Men semi-final clash with Sydney FC, only conceding once from the penalty spot despite Sydney’s 2.55 expected goals.
Even then he was unlucky, having saved the initial penalty before it had to be re-taken due to Callum Talbot prematurely entering the box. Glover also made a spectacular double-save on the cusp of half-time.
It means the sides remain all square at 1-1 heading into Friday night’s second leg at AAMI Park and 25-year-old Glover knows the job isn’t done. Far from it in fact.
“I think whenever you play a good game you obviously take confidence away, but it’s only half-time, there’s still another game to go,” Glover said.
“It’s nothing to get carried away about, the only time I’ll celebrate is after you lift a trophy.”
City manager Rado Vidosic was full of praise for his shot-stopper’s performance last Friday, and his season in general.
“(Glover’s) been fantastic. That (first leg) was probably one of his best games that he played for us, especially while I’ve been here,” Vidosic said.
“He is growing into a really good goalkeeper. He’s way off his best as many young goalkeepers are, they can go well into their 30s.
“Hopefully we can keep him, but if not, good luck to him with his future journey.”
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