5 football players who jumped the ship to China
Barcelona have confirmed that Javier Mascherano will be parting ways with the club and has signed a deal with Hebei China Fortune. After spending 8 years with the Catalan giants, Mascherano will play his last match against Espanyol on Thursday. Here is our list of top players who boarded the ship to the Chinese Super League.
Oscar- Shanghai SIPG
While many players have joined the Chinese Super League at the twilight of their careers, former Chelsea man Oscar raised several eyebrows when he decided to join Shanghai SIPG. Oscar, who is only 26, has opted to play his prime-years in a lower level league just for big money. With the deal size of £60 million, Oscar broke Chinese Super League's transfer record.
Hulk- Shanghai SIPG
Hulk, who is one of the most feared forwards in the world, was linked with a move to several European elite, but the money in China swayed away the Brazilian. He joined Shanghai SIPG from Zenit Saint Petersburg in a massive £45 mn deal. Hulk has been in rampaging form, smashing goals with 21 to his name in 34 league games.
Ezequiel Lavezzi- Hebei China Fortune
A world cup runner up and four time successive league winner with Paris Saint-Germain, Ezequiel Lavezzi made a switch to China where he earns £20.3 million per year. Lavezzi is heading towards the twilight of his career but is showing no signs of slowing down and has netted 20 goals in 27 games this season.
Paulinho- Guangzhou Evergrande
Paulinho, who is creating waves by pulling all the moves in Barcelona, may be the La Liga's top scoring midfielder, but he was plying his trade in the Chinese Super League just months ago. After a poor spell with Tottenham, Paulinho joined Guangzhou Evergrande and developed into one of the best players. Two years later, Barcelona paid a whopping €40 million for his services.
Carlos Tevez- Shanghai Shenhua
Carlos Tevez is no longer playing in China but he makes this list only because of the financials behind his massive contract. The Argentine was the highest paid footballer in the world until December, thanks to his incredible £615,000 a week wages at Shanghai Shenhua. He parted ways with the club in January having scored just 4 goals and £40 mn richer.
