Free agent Anichebe heads to Far East

STRIKER Victor Anichebe has become the latest foreign player to move to China.

The 29-year-old was released by Sunderland are at the end of last season, and has joined second-tier club Beijing Enterprises.

Anichebe joined on a short-term contract as a free agent in September.

He had a positive effect on the team, providing a targetman for Jermain Defoe to play off, but the injury problems which were a feature of his time at previous club West Bromwich Albion held him back.

Anichebe scored three goals last season and his first start, at Bournemouth, coincided with Sunderland’s opening win of the league. He played a hybrid role – part leftwinger, part centre-forward – to support the midfield when the opposition had the ball, and Defoe when the Black Cats did.

But knee and hamstring injuries restricted Anichebe to only 14 starts. He scored three goals in his first two starts – November wins over the Cherries and Hull City – but none after that.

As a result, he was not offered a new contract at the end of 2016-17. He has now joined former Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote’s last club.

“We are delighted with the signing of Victor, who played in the Premier League,” said his new head coach Gao Hongbo. “It’s a positive development for our whole club.

“Victor hasn’t trained on the pitch since the Premier League season ended, so it may take a while for him to integrate into our team. We have to be patient with him.” Victor Anichebe