Chinese Super League clubs have shown they aren’t afraid to splash the cash and, with the transfer window in China closing on the last day of February, it wouldn’t be surprising to see another few shock moves before deadline day.
The likes of Hulk, Carlos Tevez and Oscar are among a host of South American stars playing in China, with all three now among top 10 best paid players in the world.
It’s easy to see the attraction of a move to the far East and here are five more South Americans who could follow suit this month.
DANI ALVES (Juventus)
Still going strong at the age of 33, Dani Alves has been mainly utilised as a back-up for Stephen Lichtsteiner so far this season. It’s only been seven months since the Brazilian joined the Bianconeri but recent reports in Italy suggest the full-back has been presented with massive offers from three Chinese clubs.
Despite no updates from the player himself about his future, one of the offers is believed to have come from Shanghai SIPG, managed by Andre Villas-Boas, which would mean Alves could potentially join up with Oscar and Hulk.
With three Champions League titles and six La Liga winners’ medals under his belt, few could begrudge Alves a new challenge in Asia.
MATIAS FERNADEZ (AC Milan)
Although he recently rejected the idea of leaving AC Milan for China, Matias Fernandez may have to reconsider the prospect if he wants to play more games. The 30-year-old has only completed four league appearances on his loan spell so far this season and hasn’t been afforded many chances by Vincenzo Montella.
The Chilean midfielder failed to perform consistently last season at Fiorentina, falling down the midfield pecking order at La Viola. With limited opportunities, Fernandez may look to China for a chance to reignite his career.
ANGEL DI MARIA (PSG)
Following the arrivals of Goncalo Guedes and Julian Draxler, Paris Saint-Germain are certainly in a position to allow Angel Di Maria to go to China.
The Argentinian is believed to have a complicated relationship with manager Unai Emery and an underwhelming season has seen Di Maria notch just one goal and five assists in 19 league appearances.
The winger, who joined the Ligue 1 club after failing to settle into Premier League life at Manchester United, had a fantastic debut season as he directly contributed to 28 of PSG’s Ligue 1 goals.
However, he looks a shadow of the player who guided Real Madrid to the Champions League title in 2014 and a transfer to China would seem ideal for both parties.
FELIPE ANDERSON (Lazio)
Contributing directly to 10 of Lazio’s goals in the league, Felipe Anderson has stepped up massively after having a tough season in 2015-16.
While being used as a right forward for the Italian side, the Brazilian has shown off his versatility in the past by playing on either flank as well as in the role behind the striker. Only Jose Callejon has completed more assists (9) in Serie A this campaign.
Two summers ago, the 23-year-old was expected to leave Lazio following interest from Liverpool and Manchester United. However, both Premier League sides were not fully convinced by the player and felt he was not worth the reported release clause of £35 million.
Since returning to his best over the past few months, he has been regarded as a target for Tianjin Quanjian, which could result in Lazio cashing in.
SERGIO AGUERO (Manchester City)
Just like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mario Mandzukic before him at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Sergio Aguero has failed to adapt to Pep Guardiola’s system. As a result, he’s been repeatedly benched at Manchester City this season.
The last time the forward started a game for City was in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur, with new signing Gabriel Jesus taking the forward role from the Argentine since.
Despite his 11 league goals in 18 appearances, Aguero is clearly not in favour. His best years may be behind him as well as he continues to be plagued by injury. It could be time for City to let him go – particularly if the reported sum of £50 million for the 28-year-old comes to fruition.
