Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Shanghai: Axel Witsel has become the latest big name player to move to China when the Belgium international’s transfer to top-flight side Tianjin Quanjian from Zenit St Petersburg was confirmed on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old, who had been widely expected to join Italy’s Juventus, will now play alongside the likes of Oscar and Carlos Tevez in next season’s Chinese Super League after the South American duo recently signed deals with Shanghai SIPG and Shanghai Shenhua respectively.
Under the guidance of former Guangzhou Evergrande and Al Nassr head coach Fabio Cannavaro, Tianjin were promoted to the Chinese Super League for the first time in their history last season.
THE REMARKABLE STORY OF THE ASIAN TRANSFER RECORD
Witsel began his career in his native Belgium with Standard Liege before moving to Portuguese giants Benfica in 2011.
A transfer to Zenit St Petersburg followed a year later, with the wily midfielder going on to win the Russian Premier League title, the Russian Cup and the Russian Super Cup during his spell with the club.
He has 78 international appearances for Belgium to his name.
Photo: AFP