South American soccer players who immigrated to China

Just as it is rare to say that European players coming to play in America, something similar happens with Latinos who venture to pursue their careers on Asian soil. Soccer in this continent, although it is one of the most popular, does not have leagues as competitive as the other that we already know. At the time, it was said that elite players (such as Andrea Pirlo, Steven Gerrard or David Beckham) were going to retire to the United States. Precisely, something they don't want in China is just that, to become a retirement league . That is why for some years the clubs there opted to make a large investment to sign superstars , but how profitable has it been?

It is important to note that although currently this is seen as a fad, in reality, such transfers were an exception in the Asian country. To go to the origin of all this boom, the Argentine Darío Conca took the first step in 2011 after signing for Guangzhou Evergrande, leaving Brazil's Fluminense, and thus becoming one of the highest paid soccer players of that time. .

Also read: Málaga CF, the most Venezuelan soccer team in Spain

Thus, the investment made by Guangzhou, which had just risen in 2010, ended up harvesting five leagues and three Asian Champions League in five years . The model worked for them and served as "inspiration" for other clubs in the league to follow suit. However, the fact of signing South American soccer players (or of another nationality) does not mean that the squads are full of them. One of Today's rule of the Chinese championship specifies that you can have a maximum of four non-Asian players and that only three can be part of the starting eleven .

Either to see more minutes or just for an economic issue, here we is a small list of those figures from South American soccer who made the decision to make life in the Chinese league.

Oscar – Shanghai SIPG

The Brazilian midfielder had a leading role in both Chelsea and his national team, but made the decision to go to China due to an economic improvement. In fact, Oscar is not doing badly in both areas, because, apart from being the most valued player in the league, he has won two titles since his arrival in 2017 .

Paulinho – Guangzhou Evergrande

After his first experience in Europe with Tottenham Hotspur, the Brazilian midfielder arrived in China for the monetary issue in 2015, but that was no excuse for not showing his soccer skills that earned him signing two years later for FC Barcelona . However, despite marveling in the Spanish league, he decided to return to the Chinese club. To date he has lifted 7 trophies with Guangzhou .

Alex Teixeira – Jiangsu Suning

Having played 6 years at Shakthar helped the Brazilian attacker to have offers from the Premier League . Still, Alex alsodecided to secaure an economic futur and moved to China to continue handing out assists and scoring goals. Since his arrival in 2016 he has only lifted one title with his club .

Salomón Rondón – Dalian Pro

The Venezuelan striker got tired of breaking the networks in Spain, Russia and England and therefore decided to venture to the Asian country . However, sporting success has not been on his side, because, despite being one of the highest rated soccer players in the league, his club did not have very good results. Unlike the Brazilians, many say that the vinotinto did not make a good decision .

Miller Bolaños – Shanghai Shenhua

The Ecuadorian is one of the most recent signings in the Chinese league. With a great career in clubs such as Gremio, Tijuana, LDU Quito and Emelec, the midfielder has an enviable record with a Copa Libertadores and a Copa Sudamericana , among others. Your experience will be important in the aspirations of Shenhua.

Giovanni Moreno – Shanghai Shenhua

Since the 2012 season, the Colombian has improved his skills in China. Although it cost him the first year, Giovanni's perseverance allowed him to win two trophies with his club and, to this day, to be the captain and star player of Shenhua during the last seasons.