As the end of the year approaches, there are trophies to be won, as Atletico Junior did in Colombia (pictured), and honors bestowed (Yaya Toure crowned Africa’s best). The questions came as fast as the game-action, so let’s get to it.
Hey Marcus, what have you heard regarding Xherdan Shaqiri leaving Basel? I read that Liverpool and Man U are both interested in signing him. Do you agree with the comparisons being made between him and Messi? How much would it cost to sign the midfielder? Thanks.
— Sean Murphy, N.H.
Hello, Sean. Shaqiri has been in the sights of scouts from top clubs for some time now, but he’s shot to the top of many of their “most wanted” lists with his play in this season’s UEFA Champions League. It’s the 20-year-old winger’s third season playing in FC Basel’s first team, so there’s a chance he could be looking to step up to a higher-profile league. But I wouldn’t expect him to leave in January, since he’s expecting to play in the knockout rounds of the Champions League and ineligible to appear for another team in European competitions this season.
I’ve also read that LFC and United have scouted him, but neither club has publicly declared an interest. And you shouldn’t expect them to, as it would potentially spark a bidding war and drive up his price. He reportedly will cost around £10 million ($15.6 million), but that price could increase if Basel makes a cinderella run deep into the knockout rounds and he plays a key role.
As for the Messi comparisons, I find them off base. At Shaquiri’s age, Messi was already a European champion and considered one of the world’s best players. Thanks, Sean.
What are the chances Anelka ends up in Montreal before 2013?
— Marc, Providence, R.I.
I’m not sure how close Nicolas Anelka was to signing with Montreal before he decided to take his talents to Shanghai Shenhua in China. Depending on his arrangements (training schedule, playing time, etc.), accommodations and taste for adventure, the well-travelled striker could take to life in China. But I wouldn’t expect him to stay too long. I’d say the chances are high that he’ll play there for at least one season.
Where he goes from there is anyone’s guess. Montreal is an option. As is almost anywhere else on earth.
Rugby League hasn’t been played on the pitch at the DW for months, I can’t be bothered to look up the last match that Wigan played on it, and apparently neither could you. I will however do you a favour. The reason the pitch at the DW stadium is so poor is because it is built on marsh land. At times when there is heavy rain fall in the area, this can lead to the ground becoming saturated, and the water backing up onto the pitch, meaning it cuts up. The brownish stain is also a sympton of this drainage problem.
— Chris Bates, Orrell, U.K.
You’re right the last rugby game was played at Wigan’s DW Stadium months ago. I wildly overstated the impact rugby has on that grass field. I apologize to the millions of Wigan Warriors fans around the world for doing so. Thanks for educating me, Chris.
With Landon Donovan heading back over to Everton, is there a chance that he sticks there and stays in the EPL instead of coming back to the USA?
— Dan, Boston, Mass.
Hi, Dan. Donovan is heading to Everton on a two-month loan. The plan is for him to return to the Los Angeles Galaxy in time for the start of its season on March 7.
The only way I see him making a permanent move is if he plays so well for Everton (dominates) that another can’t help but to buy him from L.A. and MLS. That club would need to strike a separate deal (from his loan) and pay a transfer fee. Under this scenario, the 29-year-old might command a fee in the region of £5 million ($7.8 million).
Cash-strapped Everton would have a hard time coming up with that kind of money, but that’s play money for some other teams.
Good ask, Dan. Good ask.
That’s all for this week. Thanks for the questions and happy holidays to all.
Have questions for Marcus Kwesi O’Mard’s mailbag? Leave them in the comments section below, send them to him via Facebook, Twitter @ NESNsoccer or send them here. MKO will pick a few questions to answer every week. Be sure to check back to see if your question was answered.
