Record fee for Oscar in China

BRAZILIAN midfielder Oscar landed in Shanghai yesterday where the 25-year-old was set to smash the Asian transfer record with a reported million (about R862 million) deal with Shanghai SIPG.

Oscar’s arrival in the Chinese Super League comes ahead of that of Argentina’s former Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez, who signed for Shanghai Shenhua in another big-money deal last week. Tevez’s transfer fee was million, according to the website transfermarkt. which tracks dealings in the sport, though the reported two-year contract of million per season (about R545 million) makes him the world’s highest salaried footballer.

SIPG’s general manager yesterday dismissed concerns raised by state media of a market bubble in the super-rich Chinese league, arguing prices have to be higher to attract players away from big European leagues.

“The league is developing so of course it will go through many different stages,” Sui Guoyang told reporters.

“I believe that from now on the Chinese Super League will become healthier,” he added. Some fans put it more bluntly. “In the end if you do not pay the money then nobody would be willing to come over here,” said SIPG supporter Zou Jiahuo.

Oscar will join fellow Brazilian player Hulk who joined SIPG for a reported million (about R790 - million) in July 2016.

The pair will be coached by former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Andre VillasBoas. — AFP