Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Madrid: Beijing Guoan forward Zhang Chengdong is expected to become the first Chinese player to feature in Spain’s La Liga after sealing a loan move to Rayo Vallecano.
News of the deal for the 26-year-old was officially announced on Tuesday, with the China international now set to meet his new Rayo teammates when they begin a tour of China on Sunday.
Zhang joins the Madrid-based club following previous European spells with Portuguese clubs Desportivo Mafra, Uniao Leiria and Beira Mar, as well as Germany’s Eintracht Braunschweig.
Beijing, who reached this season’s AFC Champions League Round of 16 before being beaten by Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors were quick to thank the departing 26-year-old, saying on their official Weibo account: “We thank Zhang for his contribution to Beijing Guoan. All the best in this new phase of his career. Cheers and we're waiting for your return!”
Zhang has 18 international appearances to his name and featured for China during their AFC Asian Cup 2015 quarter-final defeat to Australia in January.
Photo: WSG