Mario Gomez, the half-German, half-Spanish ex-Bayern Munich attacker, has just penned a loan from purple jersey-wearing Serie A team, Fiorentina, to Turkish club, Beşiktaş. Given that I was devastated when Gomez – after being somewhat crushingly usurped under Jupp Heynckes’ Bayern – transferred to Fiorentina, I’m now puzzled about how a shift across countries might aid the career of the once surplus striker.
Ever since Euro 2012, I’ve been massively captivated by Mario Gomez; his performance, among stellar teammates, was what initially drew me nearer to fully supporting the German national team. Granted, England’s woeful, languid outfit (and I’m talking both kit, on occasions, and squad) had bored me ceaselessly, so witnessing a refined, meticulous and downright clinical German team was a gift. It was Mario Gomez that really peppered the pitch with some magical moments, though. So, since viewing his quick tricks, attention to detail and staggering shooting ability, I’ve been a fan.
Following a severe injury the season directly after the tournament (2012/13), Gomez was benched indefinitely; this decision was just magnificent for the deft Croatian striker, Mario Mandžukić, who was eager to pull up his socks and put in a shift. This left Gomez looking a tad dated; not only did Mandžukić share his first name, but also his flair and aptitude with the ball. Bayern Munich were back to bagging goals and blitzing the opposition, which left Mario Gomez open to bids from other clubs.
The following season, he was set to enjoy his first of two spells in a fresh, new division; one so distant from the ease of the Bundesliga as experienced so comfortably by a Bayern giant. As we switch again to present day, Gomez has taken to Instagram, Facebook, and so forth, with a photo of himself, Beşiktaş shirt hoisted, confirming his one-year loan deal with the club. Although he has signed upon the option of remaining with the club, shaking hands in favour of a permanent contract, should he desire, I do ponder how this transfer will feather his career. Is there any real point? Benefits must include another team to add to his CV, and perhaps a less intense team with which he could begin retirement.
The 30-year-old appears chuffed, though; such a huge presence in the Turkish Süper Lig will be excellent for the supporters in Istanbul and Turkey as a whole, but will also allow Gomez to turn his feet to new challenges, on new platforms.
Gomez’s glistening conversion rate has been somewhat marred by riddling injuries, which is such a shame considering that he can be extremely problematic for defenders trying to protect their goal against his aerial capabilities. Furthermore, Gomez is able to net shots with both feet; a skill rather sought after. However, regardless of what he might be able to achieve, and what he has prior, he only made 29 appearances for Fiorentina, which spanned two seasons. This is a pretty unimpressive statistic.
Shuffling across to a different division, the Turkish Süper Lig, will still pose pressure, but might extract him from any major stress to perform consistently; this could be the sort of move that will see Gomez eventually hang up his boots, so might be a cushioned transition.
Beşiktaş might not be on the radar of every Premier League, Bundesliga and/or La Liga fanatic, but the team is rather prestigious within the Turkish Süper Lig. The club has tallied a total of 13 title wins in its time, which happens to be since 1903, making Beşiktaş the most historical team within Turkey, and even the division itself. This might, to some, have seemed a peculiar transferral for Mario Gomez, but this club really might be a great decision, after all.
So, is this an exciting new opening for Mario Gomez? Yes. Has he been the sorry victim of many hideously-timed injuries whilst at previous clubs? Yes. Indeed, his time at Bayern Munich might have stalled abruptly, he had enjoyed many years under Heynckes, and perhaps it was a decent choice to head to Fiorentina. Although I was apprehensive initially, I think Mario Gomez will be well utilised by a club with such status and esteem, in a thriving division; therefore, Beşiktaş could be another top transfer decision.
