Expectations for the new campaign are higher than ever, with a key focus on further increasing professionalism and quality, and developing the game at all levels.

This season, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) has launched the slogan “a better game,” aimed at making China PR’s leagues more exciting for fans, more sustainable for clubs and a more effective pathway for national teams.

Looking ahead to the new season after the opening ceremony, Vice Minister of Sports and Acting President Du Zhaocai said: “The CFA is determined to ensure 2019 is a season of progress, integrity, competition, and entertainment. There are a number of new measures in line with the CFA’s "Overall Plan," targeted at ensuring the 2019 season sees improvement in all areas.”

Wu Lei, who was named the Chinese Super League's player of the year in November, joined Espanyol in January and was making his fifth appearance for the club at their RCDE Stadium.

Valladolid had threatened a comeback but Wu Lei sealed victory in the 65th minute by breaking in behind and sliding a cool finish into the corner.

The 31-year-old midfielder was not always popular at Old Trafford because United fans felt his awkward style was not in keeping with the Premier League side's attacking traditions.

But the Belgian international needed just 50 minutes to make his mark in the Chinese Super League (CSL), taking a touch with his right foot before swivelling and slotting home with his left from just outside the six-yard box.

His poacher's strike turned out to be the winner in a 1-0 home victory for Shandong over Beijing Renhe in the opening match of the Chinese season.

In the new edition of "China PR's professional league entry regulations", all clubs from the top flight - the Chinese Super League - are required to have their women's teams established by 2020.

These newly-founded teams will compete in the Women's Super League and other divisions. Considering the boom in the CSL over recent years, the new policy is expected to provide a massive boost for the women's game in the world's most populous country.

Zhang began his professional career with Hangzhou Greentown after graduating from the club’s youth academy in 2015. Shortly after, the 22-year-old made a move to Eredivisie side SBV Vitesse for two years.

In 2017, Zhang signed with Albion, where he was subsequently loaned out to German club Werder Bremen and Netherlands side ADO Den Haag in 2018.

Browning made just nine appearances in all competitions for Everton after emerging from the Premier League team's youth academy.

The 24-year-old played 29 times on loan for Sunderland during the 2017-18 season as the Black Cats were relegated from the Championship.

Browning was unable to break into the Everton line-up under new boss Marco Silva and had spent the current campaign playing for the club's Under-23 side.

"Defender Tyias Browning has joined Chinese Super League club Guangzhou Evergrande for an undisclosed fee," a statement on Everton's website announced.

"Hamsik is a Dalian player from 2030 (1930 GMT) this evening," Napoli lawyer Mattia Grassani told Radio Kiss Kiss.

The Slovakian, who is currently in the city where he was born, Banska Bystrica, will arrive in China PR on Friday.