Alex Teixeira has followed in the footsteps of big name players such as Ramires and Jackson Martinez and has moved to China in the latest of sensational moves.
The Chinese Super League continues to make tremours around the footballing world with their latest acquisition, who was heavily sought after by Liverpool.
Teixeira has signed for Jiangsu Suning for 50m Euros and will link up with former Chelsea player Ramires.
Alex Teixeira interview
– What are your ambitions now?
– I want to win the Chinese title and be a top goalscorer. pic.twitter.com/uWPy13tAMf— Artur Petrosyan (@arturpetrosyan) February 5, 2016
Shakhtar boss Mircea Lucescu earlier denied the reports linking Teixeira abroad to China. Speaking earlier in the week, he said:
“We haven’t sold Alex Teixeira.
“I am not aware of any negotiations with Chinese clubs — they are just the usual rumours which do the rounds during the transfer periods.
“The lad’s not going anywhere. He’s staying with us until the end of the season.”
Liverpool reportedly bid around £25m for the Brazilian, however this fee was deemed to not be substantial enough for Shahktar, who were holding for a fee of 50m Euros.
Lucescu said last month that the player was worth a high transfer fee:
“He is worth €50m. He’s incredible; very fast, with very good technique.
“I compare him with other players of the same age who changed a club. [Angel] Di Maria for example at Paris Saint-Germain.”
The Brazilian was quite vocal about moving abroad to a competitive league – citing his ambitions to play for his country.
However, it is being reported that he Brazilian is set to become the 10th highest paid player in world football and sources believe he will earn 10 million euros annually, which is a staggering 192,000 Euros per week.
The news will come as a blow to Liverpool, who were hoping to sign the player either this transfer window or in the summer to bolster their striking options.