Will China’s major signings stay?

Several big-name players have joined the Super League, but history tells us their stays may be short-lived.

The winter transfer window was quite an eventful one for the Chinese Super League. Several major signings were made by Chinese club’s with the possibility of more to come given that the transfer window is still open in the rising league.

While big-name players have made the move to China in the past, their stays were short lived, which raises the question if the league’s newest stars will stay?

Former stars such as Didier Drogba, Seydou Keita and Alessandro Diamanti are just a few players who had a brief stay in the Super League before returning to Europe.

Former Real Madrid and Manchester City striker Robinho also had a short stay in China before allowing his contract to expire on February 1.

Now, with Chinese teams spending £194.2 million during the winter window, it is yet to be seen if players will stay in China.

Several big signings including Ramires, Fredy Guarín, Jackson Martinez and Alex Teixeira all made major moves, but it is very possible that many of these players will move back to European leagues or other top leagues within the next few years.

With the 2018 World Cup approaching, it seems likely that many of the top players will hope to return to top level competition in an effort to prepare for, and earn a spot on their nation’s World Cup squad.

Unlike the MLS, the major signings made in China are all in the prime of their career and will be in contention for international duty. It remains to be seen if the level of competition will be high enough for some of the top players who moved in the transfer window.

Despite it seeming somewhat unlikely that all the high profile players that moved to China staying, the Super League is continuing to try to make more major signings before their transfer window closes at the end of February.

With both Ezequiel Lavezzi and Oscar both linked to big-money moves, Chinese investors continue to try to strengthen the league. However, more than likely, the list of high-value signings will only continue for the next year because players will look to return to the most competitive leagues.