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Didier Drogba, Guti & Robert Pires - Seven European stars who could follow Nicolas Anelka to China's Super League
Following the Frenchman's unprecedented transfer to Shanghai Shenhua, speculation has run riot over who could be next to move east. Goal.com looks at the leading candidates
Jan 14, 2012 10:30:00 AM
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SPECIAL
By Ben Somerford
Following Nicolas Anelka's stunning move to Shanghai Shenhua, China's Super League has become the new destination for big-name European stars looking for a new challenge and, arguably, one last pay-cheque before retirement.
Shenhua's massive move for Anelka comes in the context of Guangzhou Evergrande becoming Chinese champions after spending plenty of Yuan on their playing squad, particularly when they made Argentine Dario Conca one of the world's highest-paid players after signing him from Corinthians in July. They also spent big on Brazilians Cleo and Muriqui as well as China internationals Gao Lin and Zheng Zhi.
Indeed, Shenhua owner Zhu Jun has moved to match Guangzhou's ambition along with a host of other clubs, including newly-promoted pair Dalian Aerbin and Guangzhou R&F. Suddenly, money is coming into the Chinese game in a big way and, subsequently, big-name European stars are looking east.
With this in mind, Goal.com has decided to take a look at seven European stars who could follow Anelka in moving to China's Super League.
The big Norwegian striker is just the type of player newly-promoted Guangzhou R&F are after and his own struggles with Championship club West Ham might make him available to them. Guangzhou R&F previously had another former Aston Villa and West Ham striker, Marlon Harewood, on their books and have promised to spend this off-season. The Guangdong region has a big interest in the Premier League so Carew is the kind of player who would capture the locals' attention as they bid to rival big brothers Evergrande.
There has been no shortage of speculation linking Drogba with a range of destinations with his Chelsea contract set to expire at the end of the 2011-12 season. The Ivory Coast international has reportedly been the target of clubs in the USA and Russia, but big-spending Shanghai Shenhua, who landed Drogba's ex-Blues partner Anelka, are one of the front runners. Guangzhou Evergrande and Dalian Aerbin were allegedly previously after him, but both have declared themselves out of the race, paving the way for Shenhua owner Zhu Jun to land his man.
The former Real Madrid and Spain star was made a free agent in November after being released by new Besiktas boss Carlos Carvalhal. Soon after, the veteran declared his intention to continue his career in Asia, claiming that he had many opportunities in China. Despite that and the fact that Guti's connections with Real Madrid would make him very popular in China, nothing has materialised and the rumours have gone cold. Now the Spaniard is being linked with a move to Qatar, but still nothing is confirmed.
There have been reports suggesting that Roma boss Luis Enrique could let the Brazilian centre-back go in January. Juan has struggled for first-team opportunities under the Spaniard and subsequently Shenhua owner Zhu Jun has moved in, as it is understood that he wants to sign a big-name defender to lead his back line. Juan still has 18 months remaining on his current deal at the Stadio Olimpico, so Shenhua will have to spend, but they have shown a willingness to do so already.
The ex-Arsenal and France midfielder has been a free agent since leaving Aston Villa in May but his name has been raised in recent weeks after spending a few weeks training with the Gunners, prompting suggestions of a Thierry Henry-like return. Pires and Arsenal have rubbished such speculation, but the Frenchman has since admitted that he is keen on a switch to Asia, eyeing China and India as areas of interest. At 38, Pires is well into veteran status and it remains to be seen if there is a club willing to give him a shot with his wage demands.
The veteran Blackburn full-back has been informed by Rovers boss Steve Kean that he is free to leave the club in January. Already there have been reports claiming that a series of Chinese clubs are keen on the ex-Spain international, although nothing has been made official. Salgado is another veteran whose best days are beyond him, but he is well-known in China due to his time at Real Madrid - given his age, however, he would represent a gamble. There have been suggestions a that a player-coach role could be in the offing.
The Ivory Coast defender is seen as a key component of Manchester City's title challenge but he could be tempted to Shanghai by Zhu Jun's millions and the opportunity to head east with good friend and compatriot Drogba (the latter, at least, according to a recent report). As previously mentioned with reference to Juan, the Shenhua owner is looking for a star defender for his back line and Toure would fit the bill, but whether he would be willing to give up a Premier League tilt (having only won the title once with Arsenal) remains to been seen.
By Ben Somerford
Following Nicolas Anelka's stunning move to Shanghai Shenhua, China's Super League has become the new destination for big-name European stars looking for a new challenge and, arguably, one last pay-cheque before retirement.
Shenhua's massive move for Anelka comes in the context of Guangzhou Evergrande becoming Chinese champions after spending plenty of Yuan on their playing squad, particularly when they made Argentine Dario Conca one of the world's highest-paid players after signing him from Corinthians in July. They also spent big on Brazilians Cleo and Muriqui as well as China internationals Gao Lin and Zheng Zhi.
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Indeed, Shenhua owner Zhu Jun has moved to match Guangzhou's ambition along with a host of other clubs, including newly-promoted pair Dalian Aerbin and Guangzhou R&F. Suddenly, money is coming into the Chinese game in a big way and, subsequently, big-name European stars are looking east.
With this in mind, Goal.com has decided to take a look at seven European stars who could follow Anelka in moving to China's Super League.
| JOHN CAREW | West Ham, Striker, 32 |
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The big Norwegian striker is just the type of player newly-promoted Guangzhou R&F are after and his own struggles with Championship club West Ham might make him available to them. Guangzhou R&F previously had another former Aston Villa and West Ham striker, Marlon Harewood, on their books and have promised to spend this off-season. The Guangdong region has a big interest in the Premier League so Carew is the kind of player who would capture the locals' attention as they bid to rival big brothers Evergrande.
| DIDIER DROGBA | Chelsea, Striker, 33 |
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There has been no shortage of speculation linking Drogba with a range of destinations with his Chelsea contract set to expire at the end of the 2011-12 season. The Ivory Coast international has reportedly been the target of clubs in the USA and Russia, but big-spending Shanghai Shenhua, who landed Drogba's ex-Blues partner Anelka, are one of the front runners. Guangzhou Evergrande and Dalian Aerbin were allegedly previously after him, but both have declared themselves out of the race, paving the way for Shenhua owner Zhu Jun to land his man.
| GUTI | Uncontracted, Midfielder, 35 |
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The former Real Madrid and Spain star was made a free agent in November after being released by new Besiktas boss Carlos Carvalhal. Soon after, the veteran declared his intention to continue his career in Asia, claiming that he had many opportunities in China. Despite that and the fact that Guti's connections with Real Madrid would make him very popular in China, nothing has materialised and the rumours have gone cold. Now the Spaniard is being linked with a move to Qatar, but still nothing is confirmed.
| JUAN | Roma, Defender, 32 |
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There have been reports suggesting that Roma boss Luis Enrique could let the Brazilian centre-back go in January. Juan has struggled for first-team opportunities under the Spaniard and subsequently Shenhua owner Zhu Jun has moved in, as it is understood that he wants to sign a big-name defender to lead his back line. Juan still has 18 months remaining on his current deal at the Stadio Olimpico, so Shenhua will have to spend, but they have shown a willingness to do so already.
| ROBERT PIRES | Uncontracted, Midfielder, 38 |
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The ex-Arsenal and France midfielder has been a free agent since leaving Aston Villa in May but his name has been raised in recent weeks after spending a few weeks training with the Gunners, prompting suggestions of a Thierry Henry-like return. Pires and Arsenal have rubbished such speculation, but the Frenchman has since admitted that he is keen on a switch to Asia, eyeing China and India as areas of interest. At 38, Pires is well into veteran status and it remains to be seen if there is a club willing to give him a shot with his wage demands.
| MICHEL SALGADO | Blackburn, Defender, 36 |
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The veteran Blackburn full-back has been informed by Rovers boss Steve Kean that he is free to leave the club in January. Already there have been reports claiming that a series of Chinese clubs are keen on the ex-Spain international, although nothing has been made official. Salgado is another veteran whose best days are beyond him, but he is well-known in China due to his time at Real Madrid - given his age, however, he would represent a gamble. There have been suggestions a that a player-coach role could be in the offing.
| KOLO TOURE | Manchester City, Defender, 30 |
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The Ivory Coast defender is seen as a key component of Manchester City's title challenge but he could be tempted to Shanghai by Zhu Jun's millions and the opportunity to head east with good friend and compatriot Drogba (the latter, at least, according to a recent report). As previously mentioned with reference to Juan, the Shenhua owner is looking for a star defender for his back line and Toure would fit the bill, but whether he would be willing to give up a Premier League tilt (having only won the title once with Arsenal) remains to been seen.
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