Regardless of the platform, it’s your messages that fuel our desire to look out into the world and call things as we see them. So please, please, please keep us in mind when you have opinions to share or questions you want answered.

I’d love for NESN soccer to be the home of the soccer question and answer. Given our resources, I think it’s the most fruitful approach to analyzing the sport. It helps us know which stories to tell. The more we interact and engage, the better we’ll understand the game and the world in which we live.

See a good soccer story we haven’t touched? Let us know. Love or hate something we’ve said or written? Make your voice heard. Critics and E-Thugs, troll and burn away. We need your contributions. They challenge us and keep us honest.

We’re human beings here, and we can take it. Besides, praise or a word of thanks from one person generally outweighs the flames and vitriol from a thousand. And I can’t let the holiday season pass without sending a big “thank you” to our supporters — those of you who’ve sent a kind word our way. Your encouragement keeps us going, day in and day out. You are like family. It’s an honor and a pleasure to do this every day because you make it so. Thanks.

Anyways, Consider this a call to arms — but peaceful like. And without further ado, here it is — back by popular demand — the NESN Soccer mailbag.

I want to ask you if it’s sure that Wesley Sneijder will join PSG in January, as you wrote in your article?
– Panagiotis Koumian, Greece

Hello, Panagiotis. It’s not certain that Sneijder will end up at PSG, but it’s almost certain that he’s leaving Inter Milan in January. His relationship with the club is broken, and I don’t see any way they can reconcile.

PSG was among the first clubs with which he was linked ahead of the January transfer window, and it’s a logical destination for him. The French club has the money and the project to attract a player of his caliber. Watch Javier Pastore’s situation. He was one of the first of PSG’s galacticos, but he’s not an automatic starter under manager Carlo Ancelotti. If PSG offloads the struggling Argentine next month (AC Milan is a rumored destination, but Inter could be waiting in the wings), it will create an opening for a player like Sneijder to fill.

Also, there is a rumor coming out of Italy that he’s agree to join Tottenham, and the clubs are trying to agree on a fee. That one’s unconfirmed at this point.

Where do you think he [Wesley Sneijder] will end up?
– Kyle Caldarelli, Elkton, Md.

Hi, Kyle. Sorry for making you wait for my answer, but I figured I could give a better answer here than on Twitter.

Sneijder’s is the transfer saga to watch in January, as he’s one of the few world-class players who is available for a reasonable price. Also, he hasn’t competed in the UEFA Champions League this season. It’s almost unheard of for a player of his quality to be in this situation, and I’m expecting a bit of a scramble for his signature.

His salary is what’s driving him out of Inter, as the Italian club is learning to exist in what I call “Serie A’s Age of Austerity.” He reportedly makes €6 million ($7.8 million) per season, a figure that top clubs in England, Spain (Barca and Real Madrid), France (PSG only) and even Germany can meet. Also, the reported transfer fee of around £12million ($19.4 million) is reasonable for most top teams to spend.

Tuesday’s news about him agreeing to terms with Tottenham makes me think one of two things are going on: He’s either willing to come down from that figure, or Tottenham is ready to break the bank. Given the club’s history under chairman Daniel Levy, I think it’s the former.

Money won’t be much of an issue with his move. Tottenham has the early lead, but that’s could be changing at this very moment. I’d expect other clubs to match the transfer fee and throw more money Sneijder’s way. It’s really his choice at this point.

I like to use the process of elimination to answer these sorts of questions, so let’s take a look. In Spain, Barcelona seems highly unlikely given their set style of play and embarrassment of riches in the midfield and attack. Real Madrid would be an option, but his old friend Jose Mourinho is on his way out. Also, given Sneijder’s previous stint at the club, I’d rule that one out too. I don’t think any other Spanish team can afford him at this point.

Juventus is the only Italian club I could see him joining, and I just don’t see it happening.

In France, it’s PSG or bust based on his salary. See the previous question for my thoughts on that one.

He’s also been linked with Anzhi Makhachkala, the mega-rich Russian club. Samuel Eto’o would probably love to link up with his former Inter teammate, but manager Guus Hiddink‘s impending retirement will probably reduce the chances of that happening.

There two options in Germany — Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund — that are not out of the question. It would be tough for him to displace Bayern’s current crop of stars, so I’d be shocked if he went there. But the Bavarians can afford him. Dortmund is an intriguing option, as the reigning Bundesliga champion is in the last 16 of the Champions League. It has some money to spend, but not too much. Sneijder is at the top end of what it can afford.

That leaves us with the English clubs.  Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham have been linked with him in the past. City has a wealth of attacking players already. Samir Nasri (signed last season) and David Silva (who recently signed a new contract) play his position. He could drop deeper and spell Yaya Toure, but it’s unlikely that he’d sign just to become a utility player.

Manchester United is in a similar position with Wayne Rooney, Shinji Kagawa and Tom Cleverly playing where Sneijder is often deployed. Chelsea is in a similar state, as Oscar, Juan Mata and Edin Hazard are fighting for minutes. Victor Moses and Marko Marin are pushing for minutes as well. It’s not to say Sneijder wouldn’t play ahead of any of these players. It’s just that each club seems to be committed to each of these players.

Tottenham is a likely English destination, but there is another one just down the road. Arsenal rarely spends in January (or ever), but that’s going to change in the coming years. Arsene Wenger needs a creative influence in team, and Sneijder could do the trick. The Gunners already have the money to compete with Tottenham. They also have a motive: vindictiveness.

The short answer is Arsenal, Tottenham or PSG. Thanks for the question, Kyle.

And I also wish you to tell your opinion about the winner of the FIFA Ballon d’Or.
– Panagiotis Koumian, Greece

The finalists are Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo. I think the world of Iniesta, and he was deservedly named the best player at Euro 2012. But Ronaldo and Messi were on another planet in 2012.

Mourinho would pick Ronaldo because he won La Liga … and to keep his star player happy. Patrice Evra likes Ronaldo because he was great without the supporting cast that Messi has. Both make valid points, but if there’s a time to downplay team accomplishments and focus on the individual, it’s now.

Ronaldo was slightly ahead after his good showing at Euro 2012, but Messi’s pulled away from August – December. He’s scored 36 goals in all competitions, while Ronaldo (and Madrid) failed to keep pace. Sure, goals aren’t everything, but when a player breaks a 40-year-old record goal-scoring, we have to pay attention. I’ll expand on this in the next week or so, but it’s Messi.

Can Chelsea win the Premier League title under Rafa Benitez?
– Christopher, Atlanta, GA 

Anything is possible, but I don’t think Chelsea is strong enough to sustain a title assault. The “old guard” is missing their top Drog (Didier Drogba), and they’re another year removed from their best days. I expect Chelsea to have another blip or two in the coming months, leaving little chance of winning the Premier League.

Also, Manchester United is already seven points clear, and I think they’re only going to get better in the second half of the season. The title is United’s to lose, and if it does, City will be there to scoop it up … again.

Thanks for the question, Christopher.

What did Santa Bring you for Christmas?
– David, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Hi, David. Santa was great as always. He brought me all the practical things I need, but never have the good sense to go out and get myself. These include some clothes, a whole bunch of food and drink, two epic parties and a bit of rest. I’ve got to thank my family for another great holiday season — easily the best in four or five years.

That’s all for this week. Thank you very much for all the support. I wish you a happy holiday season and all the best for the new year.

Have a question for Marcus Kwesi O’Mard? Send it to him via Twitter at @NESNsoccer, NESN Soccer’s Facebook page or send it here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.

These emotional scenes are what the game is all about. Fans thank their heroes for their service to their club. Players and coaches return the favor and show much they appreciate their support. It doesn’t always happen at once, but when it does it can make for a special scene. Pep Guardiola‘s send-off ceremony at FC Barcelona on Saturday springs to mind.

Such moments are part of what makes this game great, and I’ve got no problem with these spontaneous celebrations (pictured) — so long as they are good natured and nobody gets hurt.

FC Cologne “fans” responded to their club’s relegation with a flurry of smoke bombs and flares, ruining Lukas Podolski‘s farewell ahead of his Arsenal move. It was unfortunate, and these things tend to happen at or near the end of a long season.

But enough of that. Let’s get to the questions.

Any truth to the Kagawa to Manchester United rumors?
– Chris, Atlanta, Ga.

Hi, Chris. This was shaping up to be a major news story over the weekend, as Borussia Dortmund star Shinji Kagawa reportedly went on Japanese television and told the world he had agreed to sign with Manchester United. United fans were buzzing, but within hours Bundesliga expert Raphael Honigstein tweeted that the story was a hoax.

Kagawa’s contract expires at the end of next season, and the playmaker is stalling on signing a new deal. He claims he will make a decision after Saturday’s German Cup final. Remember, he can’t “agree” to sign with United or any other club until a transfer fee is agreed upon. He should cost around £8-10 million ($13-16 million), which would be a coup for any team that signs him.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder reminds me of Wesley Sneijder in the impact he can have on a game. Dortmund is building something special right now (it just won its second straight Bundesliga title), and Kagawa might want to stick around to see where it leads. But money talks, and he can make a lot more at other clubs. Thanks for the question and for reading, Chris.

Hi. My question to you is: Was Barcas success due to the great Pep Guardiola or the players themselves? Or maybe Pep was so lucky to have Lionel Messi? Is Tito Vilanova a better coach maybe than Pep?
– Bardha Aliaj, Detroit, Mich.

Hello, Bardha. What we have here is a classic “chicken-and-egg” question. Which came first? I don’t remember the answer.

But Barcelona’s success was a mix of all those factors you cite. I’m certain Guardiola wouldn’t have been as successful at another club. The sheer amount of work he put into the job was a reflection of the passion he has for the club and the city he calls “home.” He embodied the club’s ideals and built a team that lived up to them.

Like NBA legend Phil Jackson who coached both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, Guardiola was lucky to have Messi. Few coaches in any sport get the chance to work with a player for home the word “superstar” does not do justice. But Messi was also lucky to have Guardiola as his boss.

It was Guardiola who jettisoned Ronaldinho, Deco and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in order to build the team and implement a system that plays to Messi’s (many) strengths. Messi scored and won a lot under Frank Rijkaard, but he reached a higher level after Guardiola took over in 2008.

As for Vilanova’s comparison with Guardiola, it’s hard to tell who is a better coach, but it’s safe to say “no, he’s not.” Vilanova is central to Guardiola’s Barcelona story. The two were roomates as teenagers at Barca’s academy La Masia. Their playing careers took them to different clubs, but the two remained friends. When Guardiola returned to the club as Barcelona B coach in 2007-08, he insisted that Vilanova come along. When Barcelona offered Guardiola the manager’s job a year later, he would only take it if Villanova would be his top assistant.

Villanova has been alongside Guardiola every step of the way over the last four years. Now it’s his show, and we’ll see what he is made of. Thanks, Bardha.

Marcus, when are you going to come have a beer in the parking lot at Gillette before a Revs game?
– Chris Camille, New Hampshire, U.S.A.

Hi, Chris. I’ll show face real soon. Time has been flying by and my schedule hasn’t allowed me to make it out to a tailgate yet. I traditionally attend a Revolution game — for fun, not work — on or around my birthday (June 3), and I hope this year will be no different. I can’t pin down a date, but it’ll certainly happen by summer.

I’d also like to say how disappointed I was to miss the bus trip down to the swamp. I was invited and really wanted to go, but I had to stick around town that weekend. It looked like it was a blast.

Thanks for the invite, question and local support, Chris. I’ll let you know (on Twitter @NESNSoccer, probably) when I’m headed that way. Please save me a beer, hot dog and burger.

Is Arsenal going to hold on to third place in the Premier League?
– Ken, Dublin, Ireland

This one came in a couple of weeks ago, when the answer was “of course.” Then came Arsenal’s recent dip — it hasn’t won in four games — which put that third-place finish in jeopardy.

On Saturday, it looked like the Gunners had blown it. The 3-3 draw with Norwich City gave both Newcastle and Tottenham an opening. But they wasted it on Sunday. Arsenal can take third with a win on the final day of the season. So I’ll say it: the Gunners will hold onto third … barely.

This has been one of the strangest Premier League seasons I can remember, and Arsenal’s roller-coaster campaign fits in neatly with the rest.

Liverpool recently announced that it lost £49.4 million ($76.7 million) last year? How can this be and what does this mean? Thank you.
– James, Rochester, Kent, U.K.

James, the financial reports that came out of LFC last week made for grim reading, but you have to understand those figures as early growing pains.

When Fenway Sports Group purchased Liverpool, the club was 24 hours away from bankruptcy. The previous owners saddled the club with crippling debt, and FSG had to do a lot of financial house cleaning.

A sizeable chunk of the loss – £35 million ($56.4 million) — is due to the previous owners’ failed stadium planm which FSG had to write off.

Expenditures on transfers and salaries were higher than the previous year. That reflects the investment ownership made in rebuilding the squad under Kenny Dalglish.

Spending was up, while income was down because LFC is not in the UEFA Champions League. Participation brings in tens of millions in television and gameday revenue.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that commercial income is also up, and the money LFC has to pay in debt service has been reduced from a crippling £18 million ($29 million) to a manageable £3 million ($4.8 million).

It means LFC will be able to devote more of its earnings to moving the club forward as opposed to paying off creditors. I have a feeling next year’s financial report will be much more to your liking, as the club now on firm financial footing.

That’s all for now. Thanks for all your questions and, as always, keep sending them.

Have a question for Marcus Kwesi O’Mard? Send it to him via Twitter at @NESNsoccer, NESN Soccer’s Facebook page or send it here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.

The transfer window opened a week ago Sunday, and we're still waiting for some big names to switch teams. Don't hold your breath. There will be more movement toward the end of January. For now, teams are window shopping.

These things take time and are often the result of sensitive negotiations. There are other cases like that of Lionel Messi. The agreement between FC Barcelona and his family to bring the then 13-year-old to Europe was originally made on a napkin (pictured). The rest is history. Let's get to the questions. 

Hi Marcus, I know Liverpool doesn't reveal its transfer targets, but can you tell us some of the players that have been linked with Liverpool in recent months and weeks? Thank you.
– Andrew, Rochester, U.K.

Hello Andrew. Without editorializing or commenting on the likelihood of each, the ones I've heard about are as follows: Aston Villa striker Darren Bent, Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic, FC Twente striker Luuk De Jong, Porto midfielder Fernando Reges, Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tioté and Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero.

There's another group of players that has been linked to the club, but not widely (if at all) reported in mainstream news outlets. They are: FC Koln's Lukas Podolski, Tottenham's Niko Kranjcar, Birmingham's Nathan Redmond, Lyon's Bafetimbi Gomis, Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace, and Junior Hoilett from Blackburn.

Thanks for the question, Andrew. Make of those names what you will.

I read you your report that Kaka is leaving Real Madrid. Has he fallen so far that Jose Mourinho will sell him in January?
– Chris, Boston

Hi Chris, thanks for the local support. I don't see Kaka leaving Madrid in January. He's finally back to playing regular games, and I expect him to make an even greater contribution in the second half of the season. 

Some have argued that he's a spent force, but I don't think that's entirely fair. He battled a knee injury in the second half of the 2009-10 season (his first in Spanish soccer), played through the pain at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, before finally shutting it down before the 2010-11 season. He returned to the field a year ago and, predictably, suffered a couple more strains and pulls.

I think Mourinho still values the Brazilian international, but won't give him an automatic place in the first 11. If Kaka can accept that, he'll stick around as a squad player on a team challenging for every trophy for which it is competing. If he rattles cages behind the scenes, he'll go. I think he's still got another year or two of greatness left in him. Thanks, Chris.

Dear Marcus, you previously discounted Spurs from finishing in the top 4. Are you prepared to eat your words yet? Also, Man City appear to be showing sign of where and tear. Do you consider them to be favorites?
– Issac, Gaborone, Botswana

Isaac, you've sent so many great questions to the mailbag this week, I'll let you carry it from here. I can't thank you enough for the support.

I'm not prepared to eat my words, but I'm preparing to prepare to eat them (if that makes sense). I have to give Spurs their deserved credit for performances in the first half of the season. They're in third place with some distance between Chelsea, Arsenal, LFC and Newcastle. But is it enough? I'm not so sure.

Everything has gone Tottenham's way in the first half of the season, but its squad depth will be put to the test going forward. Scott Parker, Aaron Lennon, William Gallas and Sandro have all suffered injuries recently. If anything (injury, suspension, arrest, etc.) happens to Gareth Bale, Tottenham's cooked. 

As for City, I consider them title contenders, but I still refuse to call them favorites. I'm deferring to the law of averages as my reason for thinking they will suffer a blip. With the Toure brothers in Africa and Gareth Barry suspended, we'll see what the upstarts are really made of in the coming weeks.

Marcus, why are big teams signing mid-table players and expecting to become world-class teams? Is Gary Cahill's move to Chelsea the solution to their woes or more evidence the AVB is out of his depth?
– Issac, Gaborone, Botswana

Cahill is part of the ongoing transition at Chelsea. Manager Andre Villas-Boas was brought in to re-make Chelsea and nobody told him he has to be nice about it. A year from now, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Flourent Malouda, Alex, will most likely leave Stamford Bridge. Petr Cech, Ashley Cole and even John Terry could follow them shortly therafter. 

Adding Cahill is just one piece of the puzzle for Chelsea's future. If AVB surrounds him with world-class players, the Bolton defender could be quite useful at a big club. But he's 26 and has made only seven appearances for England. He's not going to improve much beyond his current level by moving to a "big" club.

My take is that he mirrors Chelsea. The Blues are a good team, but nowhere near an elite team. Unless Villas-Boas adds some champions into the squad, they will be what they are.

That's all for this week. Thanks for all the questions and support. Keep sending them both. 

Have a question for Marcus Kwesi O'Mard? Send it to him via Twitter at @NESNsoccer or send it here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.