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.
On Sunday, two sources confirmed to Goal.com that Anelka had reached an agreement with Shanghai early Saturday. One source, who was close 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."
One of Anelka's representatives, Doug Pingisi, declined to comment.
Montreal came close to signing the striker last week 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.
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.
On Sunday, two sources confirmed to Goal.com that Anelka had reached an agreement with Shanghai early Saturday. One source, who was close 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."
One of Anelka's representatives, Doug Pingisi, declined to comment.
Montreal came close to signing the striker last week 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.
credit: Goal.com
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