Brazil international Renato Augusto (R) with Brazil team captain Neymar in training. Augusto was recently signed by CSL club Beijing Guoan. (Photo : Getty Images)
Brazilian footballer Renato Augusto, who last played for Brazilian Serie A champions Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, completed his €8 million transfer to Beijing Guoan of the Chinese Super League on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old midfielder, who also played for Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen from 2008 to 2012, will reportedly receive a yearly salary of €6.5 million from the CSL giants, as per Xinhuanet.
Augusto led Corinthians to a 24-5-9 win-loss-draw record and the Campeonato Brasileiro title last season, appearing in 30 games and contributing five goals and seven assists on his way to the association's MVP award.
The Rio de Janeiro native is also a mainstay of the Brazilian national football team, where he last played as a starter during the 2018 World Cup qualifier match against Peru. The Seleção won that match, 3-0, with Augusto scoring the second goal.
Meanwhile, Goal reported that Augusto is hoping that his move away from Brazil to China will not affect his status in the Canarinhos.
The report noted that "with the likes of Diego Tardelli, Ricardo Goulart and Everton Ribeiro all losing their places in Dunga's Brazil team following their respective switches to Asian football, Augusto is hoping he will retain his place in the side and revealed he has discussed his forthcoming transfer with Brazil Technical Coordinator Gilmar Rinaldi".
"All this played a part in my choice, it was a tough decision that I had to make quickly," said Augusto. "It's a risk I run. I met with Gilmar Rinaldi in Rio and talked to him about what was happening. He gave me his blessing."
"I will try and keep training. It was a choice I made and I now have to pursue (a recall to the national team)," he added.
Aside from Augusto, Beijing Guoan also signed Brazilian defensive midfielder Ralf during this January transfer window. The two will join countryman striker Kléber, who was acquired by the club in July of last year.
