The Chinese Super League could be the next big thing among global football fanatics, insiders say. (Photo : Reuters)
The recent signing of Iceland forward Eidur Gudjohnsen for Shijazhuang Ever Bright marks the welcoming of Chinese Super League of more big foreign names.
Though the 36-year-old baller has plied his trade in various professional leagues--Spain, Greece, Belgium, France and England--he still has failed to settle.
Gudjohnsen is expected to boost the position of Shijazhuang Ever Bright, which is currently ranked in the Chinese Super League.
One prime reason for big names considering joining Chinese teams is the heightened soccer reform plan introduced by the government.
The hefty investments poured into this particular sport made offering high salary possible, luring top footballers to sign for clubs in the world's most populous nation rather than in Europe.
According to FIFA, Chinese teams have spent over $100 million on the global market through March 17. This figure is five times higher than those spent in 2013. Moreover, it is also $20 million higher than the total spending in 2014.
Also included in the recent roster of big names entering the Chinese Super League is Jose Paulo Bezerra Macial Junior, or Paulinho. The Brazilian midfielder joined the Guangzhou Evergrande under a four-year deal worth 14 million euros.
With Paulinho's move, he is now reunited with his former national team coach, Lui Felipe Scolari, who serves as the coach of the four-time Chinese Super League champions.
Paulinho is also the third Brazilian baller who moved to Evergrande, following Alan Douglas and Ricardo Goulart, whose $16.2 million-dollar deal is regarded as the highest ever for a player from Brazil.
Other top players who have been attracted for the whopping salary figures in China include Marcelo Moreno, Hernan Barcos, Dario Conca and Demba Ba.
The trend is likely to continue as reports have surfaced that Evergrande is also getting Robson de Souza Robinho.
