x

Karic Japan Move? - Ipswich Town News

Reports in Japan claim that a number of Japanese clubs will be keeping an eye on Town's out-of-favour Slovenian Amir Karic during this summer's World Cup. Karic previously played for Japanese side Gamba Osaka in season 1997/98.

Gamba are one of the sides said to be looking at the defender or midfielder, while Gary Lineker's old club, Nagoya Grampus Eight, and the Urawa Reds are also said to be watching to see how Karic, available on a free, fares this summer. Slovenia are in Group B along with Paraguay, Spain and South Africa.

Yesterday the Slovenian squad moved their training camp to Seogwipo after they found their original facilities at Jeju had been poorly prepared. Their first game is against Spain in Gwangju on Sunday (KO 12.30pm).

Karic was spotted by George Burley playing for Slovenia at Euro 2000 and moved from NK Maribor for £700,000 in September of that year.

His first season saw him make three sub appearances in the Worthington Cup, and enjoy an unsuccessful spell on loan at First Division Crystal Palace.

This season he was completely out of favour and expressed his frustration in the local press.

Shortly afterwards he was offered a free transfer and eventually ended the season on loan back at NK Maribor, his third spell at the club.

They took the Slovenian title for the sixth year running and Karic did well enough to retain his place in their international squad.

Karic is said to be on £7,000 a week, wages that Town want to rid themselves of, especially now that they are in the Nationwide. Reports have suggested that the club have tried to settle the Slovenian's contract but as yet no agreement has been reached.

The left-sided player was popular during his spell in Japan, earning the nicknames 'Tyson' and 'Bulldozer' for his aggressive displays.

What to read next:

Ipswich Town 1-0 Sheffield United - Half-Time
Jaden Philogene’s first goal at Portman Road has given the Blues a 1-0 half-time lead against Sheffield United.
Furlong and Akpom Start For Blues
Town have made two changes for this evening’s live Sky game against Sheffield United at Portman Road with Darnell Furlong and Chuba Akpom coming into the team.
Ipswich Town v Sheffield United - Chatroom Open
Join us in the chatroom to discuss the game as it unfolds with hundreds of other Town fans.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Wark Book Pre-Order Deadline Today
The deadline for pre-orders of the new John Wark book He’s Here, He’s There is today.
Akpom: I Always Had My Mind Set on Ipswich
Chuba Akpom has revealed he always wanted to sign for Town this summer despite nearly joining Championship rivals Birmingham City.
U18s at Palace
Town’s U18s face Crystal Palace at the Eagles’ training ground on Saturday afternoon (KO midday).
Ipswich Town v Sheffield United - Predictions
Have you predicted the Blades score yet? Seventy six per cent of TWTD members are predicting a Town win this evening, 14 per cent a draw and ten per cent an away win. The most commonly predicted result is a 2-1 win to Town with Hirst the first scorer but what do you think?
Gray in New Zealand Squad For U20 World Cup
Blues keeper Henry Gray has been named in the New Zealand squad for the U20 World Cup which gets under way in Chile later this month.
Akpom: Time to Kick On From Now
Town forward Chuba Akpom believes the Blues’ slow start to the season is not a cause for concern ahead of Friday’s match against Sheffield United at Portman Road.