Friday, January 29, 2010

Mariga deal reported

Not one that has garned much attention amongst the bigger players in the media, but hat tip to Blue Days for bringing this one to attention.

It is being reported both on calcionews24.com and allafrica.com that we have agreed to a 10 million Euro deal to sign Parma's Kenyan international midfielder McDonald Mariga:
Parma have accepted a E10 million offer (about Sh722 million) from Manchester City for Kenyan international McDonald Mariga, according to reports from Italy and England.

Mariga had been linked with Italian champions Inter but Parma sporting director, Pietro Leonardi, apparently met with City on Thursday.

He was able to convince the English club over 22-year-old Mariga's E10m fee during a series of talks which untangled the move.

"Once the transfer is compelete, Mariga will become Kenya's richest sportsman and the first ever to play in the English Premier League.

City turned to Mariga after seeing negotiations stall with Real Madrid in their attempts to sign Fernando Gago. City were ready to bid £6million for Mariga, according to reports in Italy, and could offer Valeri Bojinov as part of the deal.

Interesting stuff and a move (if true) that has flown completely under the radar. From his bio on wikipedia it seems he is a tall, rangy midfielder who spent time in Sweden before his move to Parma.

One potential hitch with a deal could be his Kenyan nationality, which given their lowly standing in the world game may impact on the possibility of a work permit being granted.

If anyone knows anything further about him though please leave a comment below.

UPDATE: The Bluemoon twitter feed is also suggesting that the deal will go through.

vote it up!

8 comments:

thomas said...

been circulating on bluemoon for a day or two, a swap deal with bojinov!

Big box to box midfielder. very promising. Mourinho and co have been chasing him. Would be a nice coup!

pjdemers said...

I'm completely surprised we haven't recalled Bojinov and I'm not happy we may be losing him. He's an immense talent and I would think he would do well under Mancini. Regarding Mariga does anyone have any info on his creative ability? I for one think we sorely need an attacking MF who can play centrally.

Unknown said...

hello...
Greetings from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya..I am a Kenyan sports journalist with a leading television...K24 Tv,I am really surprised about the impending Mariga move,but if their is some truth,Man city fans will love what they'll get...Mariga is a tall powerful midfielder in the Patrick Viera mould...he can play both in the defensive and attacking positions in midfield and is very strong on the tackleHe isn quite the finished article but has a high work rate and will surely be of one for the future...(he is only 22yrs)
thanks for reading
David Kwalimwa

sam kamau said...

hello guys...

this is sam from kenya and as my brother david said you've got a gem in mariga.
excelent in breaking down opp attacks,good in attack,amaizing speed,good technique and a good goal scorer with one hell of a shot from him..better than essien,yaya toure,sissoko....


wish he had signed for united though.....

Saimz Muiruri said...

I am a Chelsea fan but I believe Mariga would fit perfectly in Arsenal. He would be the answer to Viera's long time void.
He is an amazing player. He is ranked 11th in Africa's top 20 players, at his tender age...
Nairobi, Kenya.

Durango from Nairobi said...

Hi Guys,The plain truth is this,Mariga is an excellent holding midfielder who is also very efficient in attack.He is a dead ball specialist for the Kenya national team.The ball sticks to him like glue it is hard to disposses him.He has is not temperemental (Diouf) neither does he lack the husle for ball attitude (Berbatov) ,But his best quality is vision like Zidan (Egypt),He sees players positioned ,the way people in the stands see potential through balls and he can thread a needle though a defence like no other.Oh yeah and he is not a glory hound, he will pass if he does not have the angle for a shot.He is very good!!

Vuvu said...

Im david and all i can say is Mariga is a gem.good vision and one hell of a shot. Essien doesnt come close. Another upside is he plays for Kenya which is rarely in the African cup of nations so he'l always be around for city. A really nice guy overall! no john terry behaviour and all!

saruni said...

hello.... I am more surprised having him mentioned all over.I am true Man united fan and Mariga can fit Paul Scholes shoes in terms of attacking and diffending unlike man u midfilders . Sir Alex should sign him SARUNI MULA from Kenya.Good luck for him