Top-flight clubs set to snub stars quitting China
PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have significant reservations about raiding the Chinese Super League amid a player exodus. Top-flight clubs have been alerted to the availability of a host of high-profile players currently plying their trade in China, following a raft of newly imposed salary restrictions. Foreign players can now earn a maximum of £2.7million per year — the equivalent of £52,000 a week. Some of the most recognisable players in the CSL earn close to £400,000 a week and as a result will be required to take huge pay cuts to comply with the new salary cap. Those who have to take the biggest reductions will be able to do so gradually over three years. Nevertheless, the new rules are set to lead to footballers returning to European football, with intermediaries already touting players to Premier League clubs in preparation for the cuts. For instance, super agent Jorge Mendes, who has a close relationship with Wolves, could use his links in China to move players to England. However, clubs are acutely aware of the vast salaries players are likely to demand, while there is also concern that ageing footballers looking to re-establish themselves in Europe will not hold any residual value. On top of that, there are fears that players who have spent a sustained period of time in the CSL might struggle to acclimatise to the intensity and quality of the Premier League. Former Premier League players Oscar, Paulinho, Marouane Fellaini and Marko Arnautovic, who are all on mega-deals in China, are among the stars who will be affected by the incoming wage restrictions. Manchester United made a shock move to bring former Watford striker Odion Ighalo, 31, back from China last January, but after a promising start he has made just four appearances this season.