The Chinese Super League has put its money where its mouth is. After expressing their desire to become a global superpower in the world of football, the league has splashed the cash in order to sign some of the most talented players in the world. Now, even a legend of the beautiful game claims that the Chinese super league will be able to beat top European clubs and pip the best talent first.
"It now has to be taken very seriously. For so long it's been Europe is the only destination for the world's top players," said Xavi in an interview published by the Sun. "China are showing that they mean business and they have the finances to attract the best players in Europe," he added. These statements come after Cristiano Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes revealed that the Portugal and Real Madrid superstar turned down a staggering £257 million offer to move to the Chinese Super League.
The January transfer window has been an especially busy one for Chinese clubs. Particularly, two clubs from Shanghai complete record-breaking signings just a few days apart from each other.
The first of these transfers involves veteran striker Carlos Tevez, who has become the world's highest paid player at Shanghai Shenhua. The other one of these transfers even goes to show that the Chinese Super League is just not a retirement league for players past their prime looking to make a quick buck.
This transfer in question is that of former Chelsea playmaker and now Shanghai SIPG player Oscar. The Brazilian left the Blues in a deal worth around the region of £60 million. However, moves such as this do come at a cause, as playing in leagues such as the one in China currently limit opportunities to be called up to play with one's national team.
The big spending Chinese Super League is also attempting to poach other stars in Europe's top leagues. One such example of this is Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez, who is being offered a contract worth £400,000 a week to ply his trade in the constantly growing Chinese Super League, the Mirror reported.
Watch some highlights from the Chinese Super League below: