Tianjin Teda forward Fredy Montero during his stint with Sporting Lisbon. (Photo : Getty Images)
Colombian footballer Fredy Montero joined the array of foreign players joining the Chinese Super League during this winter transfer window as he signed with Tianjin Teda FC on Saturday from Primeira Liga squad Sporting Clube de Portugal.
The Tianjin Tigers paid the Green and White Lions a transfer fee of €5 million for the services of the 28-year-old forward, who had been one of the most reliable goal scorers in Portugal's domestic league in the past three seasons.
SB Nation reported that Sporting Clube will also receive Argentine striker Hernan Barcos in exchange for Montero aside from the said transfer fee.
Montero first suited up for Sporting CP in July of 2013 on loan from Major League Soccer team Seattle Sounders FC. Because the club has an option to buy, he was then permanently transferred to Portugal the next season.
The Campo de la Cruz, Colombia native appeared in 94 games for Os Leões since then, scoring 37 times in all competitions. His first year with the team was the most productive as he netted 16 goals in 33 games for the Estádio José Alvalade residents.
Some football analysts were reportedly puzzled about Montero's decision to leave the Portuguese side, particularly with the possibility that Sporting CP will qualify in next season's Champions League tournament.
However, his dwindling playing time with head coach Jorge Jesus' squad may have allegedly forced him to take the China opportunity.
He only started in five of the 12 games he played in Portugal's domestic league this season, and so his game-winning goal last Saturday against SL Benfica was only his third of the season. He has only logged 531 minutes in league play during this campaign.
With Tianjin, Montero is set to gain more playing time aside from certainly receiving a heftier paycheck.
Meanwhile, Os Leões have also acquired Uruguayan center back Sebastian Coates on loan from Sunderland AFC to reinforce their backfield, according to PortuGoal. Coates reportedly had "failed to impress" during his time with the Black Cats and the Reds and could use a new environment in Portugal.
Sporting CP is currently at the no. 2 spot of the Primeira League table with 51 points and a win-loss-draw record of 16-1-3, only a point behind current league leader Benfica.
