Despite the fact that the Chinese Super League tightened its belt this season, which makes it less attractive for foreigners, several well-known players continue to play in that league.
Here are five of the figures to keep track of this year:
. Oscar (Shanghái Port)
The Brazilian left Chelsea in 2017 for € 60 million, breaking a record in Asia that has yet to be beaten.
The 29-year-old attacking midfielder finished last season as the best assistant in the championship. Integrated in Shanghai, Oscar even evoked the possibility of playing with the Chinese team, but FIFA rules prevent it as he has already played with Brazil.
. Marko Arnautovic (Shanghai Port)
Another big name from the Premier League is the dynamic 32-year-old Austrian Marko Arnautovic. This year it will undoubtedly have a greater role after the departure of the attacker Hulk to Atlético Mineiro in Brazil.
The Austrian arrived at the Shanghai Port (formerly known as Shanghai SIPG) from West Ham in 2019, in exchange for 28 million euros. Since then, Arnautovic has scored an average of one goal every two games.
The player acknowledged that, for a time, he did not take the Chinese league seriously: “He did not train me, he did not take care of me, he ate and drank soft drinks,” he said.
. Marouane Fellaini (Shandong Taishan)
A third player to pass through England is 33-year-old Belgian Marouane Fellaini, who arrived in China in February 2019.
Despite his role as a midfielder, Fellaini is a fearsome header, having already scored a hat-trick last season with his head off the Dalian Pro coached by Spaniard Rafael Benítez.
. Paulinho (Guangzhou FC)
The former Barça and Brazilian team player is probably one of the most successful foreign players in China, winner of three national titles and the Asian Champions League.
However, the 32-year-old Brazilian misses the start of the season as he is blocked in his country due to travel restrictions linked to covid-19, and he still does not know when he will be able to return.
. Cédric Bakambu (Beijing Guoan)
The 30-year-old Congolese attacker had sounded for Barça in the last January market, without actually materializing.
Which did not prevent him from recovering last year and finishing the season as the best scorer in the Super League (14 goals).
However, for the former Sochaux and Villareal, the road is not being easy at the club in the Chinese capital: positive for covid-19 last month, local fans expect more from him.
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