It’s been quite a winter for the Chinese Super League. In fact, it’s possibly been the most exciting time in the league’s history, and the first ball of the season hasn’t even been kicked. China has been sending shockwaves around the football world, with managers such as Arsene Wenger saying Europe should be ‘worried’.
So what’s all the fuss about? In short, Chinese clubs are flexing their financial muscle. This winter has seen a number of high profile (and high price tag) swoops by Chinese clubs, with Ramires, Alex Teixeria and Jackson Martinez all making big-money moves to the league. Astoundingly, this transfer window saw China outspend the English Premier League, hardly known for its fiscal conservatism, with total outlay surpassing 200 million GBP (1.86billion RMB).
While European footballers moving abroad is nothing new, and China has been hoovering up foreign players for several years now (notably in this city with Shenhua’s less-than-successfu recruitment of Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba), the sums splashed by Chinese clubs in the build up to 2016’s CSL season has compelled the world to sit up and take notice. And what’s remarkable about these latest recruits is that they aren’t ageing stars looking to ease into retirement with one final big pay day; as it happens, most players heading to China are still in their prime. Take Alex Teixeria. The Brazilian was Liverpool’s number one transfer target this January, but they couldn’t match the astonishing 38million GBP offer made by Nanjing based side Jiangsu Suning.
Jackson Martinez joined Guangzhou Evergrande for 32 million GBP from Atletico Madrid last month
So why is China suddenly spending such big sums on football? One reason is politics. President Xi wants to make China a powerhouse of world football. Before becoming president he listed his three ambitions for the national side: to qualify for the World Cup, to host the event and, one day, to win the tournament itself; and while it seems likely China will achieve the first two relatively soon (qualification being automatic for a host nation), the last of those goals clearly requires a major overhaul of the game here. There’s also no doubt that football is seen as a way to exert soft power, and having a world-class league would certainly be a seen as a feather in the cap of China the global superpower.
Then there’s the economics. Chinese football expert Chris Atkins told Sky Sports: ‘The government is keen to establish a more balanced economy based upon more than just manufacturing, with sports and entertainment industries seen as areas for investment. In China, companies are reliant on good relationships with the authorities and therefore are often inclined to help with initiatives seen as in the national interest.’ Of course, we’ve been here before with big international signings attracting headlines and over-excited talk of China becoming a footballing powerhouse, but this time there’s little doubt that the CSL is entering a new and interesting era. And with a Shanghai derby in the season’s opening month, now is a great time to start following the league.
What are the Shanghai teams' chances?
Shanghai SIPG
SIPG surprised many with their tilt at the title last season, taking the championship fight with eventual winners Guangzhou Evergrande all the way down to the final game. SIPG have had a relatively quiet transfer window, but Brazilian forward Elkeson has joined his former Evergrande teammate Dario Conca on their books.
Sven-Göran Eriksson’s side will hope to go one better than their second-place finish last term, but they may have their work cut out for them. Evergrande (who have won the title for the last five years on the trot) will remain a tough act to surpass, while the big spending of near-neighbours Jiangsu Suning should mean that the Nanjing side is in the mix as well.
Shanghai Shenhua
Having once easily enjoyed bragging rights in the city, the last few seasons have seen Shenhua fans endure a generally miserable period of tumult. Controversy never seems to be far from the club’s door these days and after their hugely unpopular attempts to change the club’s name after their takeover in 2014, owners Greenland have further soured their relationship with the put-upon Shenhua faithful by announcing plans to relocate one of the hardcore fan groups to another part of Hongkou Stadium.
Following all this, former Everton star Tim Cahill saw his contract terminated, just months after he’d signed an extension. ‘This is very sad especially after what I feel I have helped to build in Shanghai Shenhua on and off the park,’ said Cahill, 36, who appeared not to be part of new coach Gregorio Manzano’s plans. The Australian forward has since signed a short-term deal down the road at Hangzhou Greentown. Shenhua’s foreign contingent, which includes Demba Ba and Fredy Guarín, has been swelled by the addition of former Newcastle star Obafemi Martins, however. Whether he’ll be able to bring Shenhua fans a little more joy this season remains to be seen.
How to get tickets
Shanghai teams never sell out their grounds, so you can usually get tickets on the day at the stadium ticket offices or off one of the many touts that will approach you. Expect to pay 50-150RMB per ticket, more for the big games (Shanghai derbies, or whenever Evergrande or Beijing Guoan are in town).
The 2016 Chinese Super League season begins on Friday 4 March, with Shenhua at home to Yanbian Funde on Saturday 5 March. SIPG’s first home game is the Shanghai derby against Shenhua on Saturday 12 March.