10 superstars who rejected the Chinese Super League's riches

3) Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema was targeted by Tianjin Quanjian

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema may have won the La Liga and Champions League this season but the 2016/17 campaign was one of his worst in terms of his own scoring potential.

After averaging more than 25 goals in the previous six seasons, Benzema only managed 19 last season (and only 11 in the league) despite playing nearly 50 games. This was when he was the subject of a bid from Tianjin Quanjian.

“The club’s representatives are working on the deal. And I will absolutely honour my promise to the fans that the new striker will be, without a doubt, a world-class player.

"We need an out-and-out striker so we made a bid for [Karim] Benzema." - Club chairman Shu Yuhui

Benzema had reportedly been offered nearly double his wages at Madrid and it would have seen him earn at least €21m in wages alone. But he is set to remain at the Bernabeu - at least until 2019 when his contract ends.