But a combination of injury and form problems ensured he would never live up to the early hype that surrounded him,with the now 30-year-old looking for a fresh start in life and in football.
Rodwell is currently undergoing quarantine in Darwin after flying into the country earlier this week with his wife,Alana,who is originally from western Sydney.
The family has decided to move permanently to Australia,with free agent Rodwell keen to continue playing after recently leaving Sheffield United,where he played just 73 minutes across two seasons.
A-League sources have indicated Sydney FC has no interest in the midfielder,but both Western Sydney Wanderers and Macarthur FC have made contact with him and are interested in potentially bringing him on board,although talks with both are at a very early stage.
Rodwell’s name still carries weight among Premier League fans,although mainly due to infamy for failing to develop into the world-class player many tipped he would be.
But the three-time former English international would be another high-profile addition to the A-League this season,adding toPerth Glory’s recent coup in signing ex-Liverpool star Daniel Sturridge.