Preston North End are pushing to sign free agent striker Robbie Keane as Simon Grayson pursues attacking reinforcements. A proven goalscorer who is in the final stages of his career at 36, Keane’s possible move to Deepdale has sparked major reaction from fans – and here, the Deepdale Digest writers have their say on the speculation…
Danny Maiorca
I’d imagine the wages will be a stumbling block anyway, but if he was to sign then even at the age of 36, Keane would be a good short-term signing at Championship level. Naturally, his physical attributes won’t be at the level they were 10 years ago, but a good finisher will always be a good finisher regardless of age and the fact he has scored over 60 goals for Ireland as well as over 100 times in the Premier League shows he is exactly that. A player in Keane’s mould is what we have been missing for the last two seasons – he will get the service and either Hugill or Makeinok will provide the necessary support alongside him.
James Haken
For me, Robbie Keane is exactly what we need. A goalscorer. Bar Doyle, our attacking options are good. They’re all good at different aspects of the game, but none of our front men can compare to Keane in regards to finishing. A lot of people are put off by his age and that he played in America for five years, but you’ve got to look at what Jermain Defoe is doing at Sunderland after a stint in MLS at the tender age of 34. For me, signing Keane on a deal until the end of the season is a no brainer. A goalscorer is a goalscorer. I just hope the club and Keane can strike a move, and who knows what this season could still bring!?
Ben Wignall
With not much experience in the squad, Robbie Keane could be exactly the player we need to take us to the next level. It’s arguable what standard MLS is at right now, but Keane has been scoring on a regular basis all his career. He’s a natural goalscorer and a penalty box predator, and we should go all out to get him until the end of the season. Wage demands could be a stumbling block, but if Grayson wants him, I trust Trevor Hemmings to sort something out for him.
James Vickers
With rumours flying around that we are close to signing Robbie Keane, I’ve been torn between the positives and negatives. Whilst I’m a fan of our attackers, we are missing that one clinical striker – which was highlighted against Arsenal. We have been crying out for a goal scorer and Keane has scored regularly throughout his career, so he would be a fantastic addition. On the other hand, he would command a high wage which may be outside our budget, and wouldn’t provide much, if any, sell on value. Whilst I would be delighted with the signing, I’m cautious that we don’t end up with another Kevin Davies scenario.
Sean Marshall
He may be getting on now but Robbie Keane could well be the difference between North End finishing in mid table or making a surge towards the play offs. We saw in 2005 how David Nugent had the same effect and while Keane is far, far older, he knows how to find the back of the net. When you look at the creativity we have in the squad now, he would flourish alongside the likes of Aiden McGeady, Paul Gallagher and Callum Robinson. Wages are an obvious problem, and that does need to be kept in check, but ultimately it would be far cheaper than splashing out on ‘proven’ talent when we could well get one here without a transfer fee.
Oliver Dawes
North End have nailed their transfer policy in recent years, landing youngsters with great sell-on value like Daniel Johnson, Ben Pearson and Callum Robinson, and I’d generally against signing players over the age of 30. However, this one makes too much sense for North End. The one thing Simon Grayson is lacking is a proven finisher, and Keane has made a career out of his ability to put the ball in the net. Some are concerned about his age and the level he has been playing at having featured for Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer, but the ideal scenario would be to see him have a Jermain Defoe-like impact, with the England striker still thriving for Sunderland having joined from Toronto in 2015. The only concern I have is financially, as paying Keane considerably more than anybody else in the squad could cause some disharmony in a tight-knit group. Factor in publicity and the potential for increased ticket sales just to see Keane in action for Preston, and this could be a huge move for the club – as long as they don’t completely blow the budget on him.
Deepdale Digest 