UEFA Champions League hero Didier Drogba‘s decision to sign on with Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese Super League (CSL) for the next two-and-a-half years shocked the soccer world earlier this summer. But Drogba’s departure for the land of Confucious is only the latest in a string of high-profile signings in China. He will join French forward Nicolas Anelka, who moved to Shanghai last year, and another recent arrival, Colombian midfielder Giovanni Moreno, in what promises to be the Chinese version of the “Big Three.”
Coupled with the signings of former Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute (Beijing Gouan, $2 million annual contract) and prolific Premier League scorer Yakubu Aiyegbeni with Guangzhou R&F, and the rumored move of former FC Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita (Dalian Aerbin), the CSL is starting to compete with the biggest leagues in the world in terms of number and prestige of transfer signings.
At the very least, the CSL is announcing its intentions to rival North America (with MLS and the Mexican League) and the Middle East. As well as investing heavily in world-class talent on the field, the CSL is also importing managerial prowess in greater numbers. Former Argentina national team coach, Sergio Batista, replaced another foreigner, Frenchman Jean Tigana, as coach of Shanghai, in just the latest example of coaching moves.
Although North America still presents a geographic advantage for older players looking to play out their remaining days in comfort and familiar surroundings, and Qatar may offer the richest paydays in world soccer to former icons like Raul, Gabriel Batistuta and others, the commitment of the CSL and the Chinese government — which is paying the team salaries — to becoming a major transfer player could mark a new era for the beautiful game.
If China’s economy is projected to become the largest in the world in upcoming years, what else should we expect of the Chinese Super League?
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