5 most expensive signings in the Chinese Super League

Urawa Red Diamonds v Shanghai SIPG - AFC Champions League Semi Final 2nd Leg
Urawa Red Diamonds v Shanghai SIPG - AFC Champions League Semi Final 2nd Leg

#3 Alex Teixeira

Gamba Osaka v Jiangsu FC - AFC Champions League Group H
Gamba Osaka v Jiangsu FC - AFC Champions League Group H

When news of Alex Teixeira's transfer to Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning spread, it came as a shocker for many. The Brazilian was being pursued by Liverpool in 2015, and it was a great opportunity to shine on the big stage in the Premier League. At 26, with Teixeira yet to enjoy his prime, he chose the Chinese Super League over all others.

The Brazilian's transfer happened on the back of a very successful season with Shakhtar Donetsk. He lit up the Ukrainian Premier League with 22 goals and in the same campaign scored four in the Champions League.

Teixeira was well aware that his move would also make it difficult for him to be selected for his country. He didn't make a senior appearance for the Brazil side until that move to the Chinese Super League and that did not change afterwards. The former Shakhtar player went on to win the league for the first time in 2020 before leaving for Besiktas.

The Brazilian's abilities were never a doubt as an attacking midfielder and he continued his exploits in China. During his four years with Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning, he made a total of 153 appearances and made a massive 116 goal contributions. It is such a shame that Premier League clubs could never place a significant bid to lure him to England.


#2 Hulk

Hulk has scored 24 goals in 53 appearances for his current club Atletico Mineiro in 2021
Hulk has scored 24 goals in 53 appearances for his current club Atletico Mineiro in 2021

By now you would know that the Chinese Super League loves Brazilians and the same love has been reciprocated on so many levels. Hulk is no exception.

In 2016, after the striker had established his dominance in Russia with Zenit Petersburg, he moved to the Chinese Super League in what was the most expensive signing. The Brazilian wore his 'Hitman' status on his sleeve and was a consistent goal threat during all four years with Shanghai Port.

In the 2018 season, he helped his side dethrone Guangzhou Evergrande, the seven-time champions of the Chinese Super League. His 28 goal contributions that season in the Chinese top-flight in 25 appearances consisted of 13 goals and 15 assists. The £50.22 million man left the club in 2020 on a sour note as his relationship with coach Vitor Pereira suffered irrepairable damage.


#1 Oscar

Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League
Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League

It takes one Brazilian to beat another Brazilian and all that excess cash available with Shanghai Port. Hulk lasted as the Chinese Super League's most expensive player for only about six months as, Oscar, overtook him with a price tag of £54 million.

The midfielder switched from Premier League giants Chelsea to Shanghai Port and shared the dressing room with Brazil compatriot Hulk. Unlike Hulk, Oscar is still continuing in the Chinese Super League. In their title-winning campaign of 2018, Oscar provided 22 assists in the Chinese Super League in 29 games.

The Brazilian has never been shy to accept the fact that money had a huge role in his transfer to China. After the attacking midfielder lost his regular starting spot under Antonio Conte in 2016, the offer from the Chinese Super League was too good to be refused.

He prioritized his family's future over his own career, and he hasn't been doing too bad by any means in either of those departments. Oscar has goal contributions in double figures every season in the Chinese Super League. He has already managed three goals and nine assists in just 12 games this season.

Quick Links