2015 Brazilian Serie A champions Corinthians during the trophy presentation. (Photo : Getty Images)
Football teams from the Chinese Super League and China League One associations have so far signed four players in the starting lineup of the 2015 Brazilian Serie A winners Sport Club Corinthians Paulista during this January transfer window.
The transfers left Timão wrecked and deficient of most of its primary weapons, which made Corinthians president Roberto de Andrade worried and disconcerted about his club's potential to stay on top of the Brazilian top flight. Corinthians has become Brazilian champions six times in the history of the Serie A and their last two wins came in 2011 and 2015.
De Andrade expressed disappointment, saying that "Chinese 'clubs don't even know my name' as they've closed in on Brazilian talent", according to Yahoo Sports.
It was reported that the 65-year-old executive is worried that Corinthians "could be a shadow of itself next season" and is also said to be "embarrassed that one of Brazil's richest teams can't compete with China's economic power".
First to go this winter window was 32-year-old midfielder Jadson Rodrigues da Silva, or Jadson, who was acquired by Corinthians in February 2014 from fellow Brazilian Serie A club São Paulo FC.
Jadson was snagged by Chine League One team Tianjin Quanjian at an undisclosed amount. He joined other Brazilians Luis Fabiano, from São Paulo, and Geuvânio, from Santos, as the two other Brazilians to move to the squad this winter.
Next to move were midfielders Ralf and Renato Augusto, who both joined CSL team Beijing Guoan. Augusto reportedly turned down an offer from Bundesliga squad Schalke 04 and chose to move to China instead.
The most recent Corinthians exit was that of center back Carlos Gilberto Nascimento Silva, or Gil, who was acquired by CSL squad Shandong Luneng earlier this week for a reported fee of $11 million.
The 28-year-old is reportedly set to earn $350,000 a month from Shandong while Augusto signed a $500,000 a month deal.
Two other key Corinthian players, midfielder Elias and striker Alexandre Pato are allegedly also entertaining offers from China as of the moment, via the South China Morning PostTwo other key Corinthian players, midfielder Elias and striker Alexandre Pato are allegedly also entertaining offers from China as of the moment, via the South China Morning Post.
Corinthians head coach Adenor Leonardo Bacchi, or Tite, said that he was unhappy about the developments and has even admitted that he rejected a proposal from an anonymous Chinese football club for him to take over as chief bench tactician.
The report mentioned that the 54-year-old manager has also "reminded his players that going to China means choosing money over improving on the pitch".
"China's really messing with us," Tite said. "And maybe it isn't over yet."
