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Sources: Nicolas Anelka has signed with Shanghai Shenhua
The former France international star has spurned the Montreal Impact to sign with the Chinese side.
Dec 7, 2011 10:39:00 AM
By Alex Labidou
UPDATED: Dec. 7, 12:22 p.m. ET
Nicolas Anelka has signed a contract with Shanghai Shenhua, sources have told Goal.com, after an agreement could not be reached with the Montreal Impact.
The deal between Anelka and the Chinese club is rumored to be three years at 6 million pounds a season and includes commerical incentives. Anelka joins Shenhua from Chelsea, where he scored 38 goals in 125 appearances.
While Shanghai has not admitted to a deal, the team's media officer Ma Yue told the Associated Press that an announcement could come within the next few days.
"There'll be news very soon," Ma told the AP. "There'll be news in four to five days, at the latest. In five days, we'll definitely have news on whether it is 'Yes' or 'No.'"
On Sunday, two sources confirmed to Goal.com that Anelka had reached an agreement with Shanghai early Saturday. One source, who is close to both the Impact and Anelka, said, "I was shocked by Nicolas' choice, it appeared as if he was leaning another direction a few days ago."
Another one of Anelka's representatives, Doug Pingisi, declined to comment.
Chelsea gave the French player permission to leave the club in January following four years at Stamford Bridge, after the 32-year-old handed in a transfer request.
Montreal came close to signing the striker over the last few weeks as negotiations were described by head coach Jesse Marsch as "very good." However, the club was unwilling to pay Anelka more than $7 million a season, which would have made him the highest-paid player in MLS.
Marsch conceded to Goal.com on Friday that the disparity between the two parties in salary demands might result with Anelka choosing to play elsewhere.
"When you start to talk about these kinds of players, the reality of it is that it takes major dollars to get it done," said Marsch. "Its not that Joey [Saputo] or the organization have shied away from that, it's just always trying to evaluate what makes sense on our end."
He added, "I'm very optimistic that we will find somebody who is a right fit for our community and for our team. Someone who bring a real level of knowledge, experience and notoriety, the whole bit."
Another former France international, David Trezeguet, might be on the Impact's radar as he was recently released by Middle Eastern club Baniyas. Trezeguet's agent, Antonio Caliendo, has not responded to emails or calls regarding the possibility.
Nicolas Anelka has signed a contract with Shanghai Shenhua, sources have told Goal.com, after an agreement could not be reached with the Montreal Impact.
The deal between Anelka and the Chinese club is rumored to be three years at 6 million pounds a season and includes commerical incentives. Anelka joins Shenhua from Chelsea, where he scored 38 goals in 125 appearances.
While Shanghai has not admitted to a deal, the team's media officer Ma Yue told the Associated Press that an announcement could come within the next few days.
"There'll be news very soon," Ma told the AP. "There'll be news in four to five days, at the latest. In five days, we'll definitely have news on whether it is 'Yes' or 'No.'"
On Sunday, two sources confirmed to Goal.com that Anelka had reached an agreement with Shanghai early Saturday. One source, who is close to both the Impact and Anelka, said, "I was shocked by Nicolas' choice, it appeared as if he was leaning another direction a few days ago."
Another one of Anelka's representatives, Doug Pingisi, declined to comment.
Chelsea gave the French player permission to leave the club in January following four years at Stamford Bridge, after the 32-year-old handed in a transfer request.
Montreal came close to signing the striker over the last few weeks as negotiations were described by head coach Jesse Marsch as "very good." However, the club was unwilling to pay Anelka more than $7 million a season, which would have made him the highest-paid player in MLS.
Marsch conceded to Goal.com on Friday that the disparity between the two parties in salary demands might result with Anelka choosing to play elsewhere.
"When you start to talk about these kinds of players, the reality of it is that it takes major dollars to get it done," said Marsch. "Its not that Joey [Saputo] or the organization have shied away from that, it's just always trying to evaluate what makes sense on our end."
He added, "I'm very optimistic that we will find somebody who is a right fit for our community and for our team. Someone who bring a real level of knowledge, experience and notoriety, the whole bit."
Another former France international, David Trezeguet, might be on the Impact's radar as he was recently released by Middle Eastern club Baniyas. Trezeguet's agent, Antonio Caliendo, has not responded to emails or calls regarding the possibility.
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