Questions are always going to be raised about the integrity of any player who moves to the Chinese Super League.
The CSL can’t be faulted in their efforts to raise the profile of football in the Far East, and its top clubs are showing they’re more than happy to splash the cash to bring in some big names.
Yet, midfielder Axel Witsel is now being labelled a mercenary after reports emerged that he’ll snub Juventus and Chelsea to earn £300,000 a week at Shanghai SIPG, per the Sun.
That name will sound familiar, as it’s the same club who are managed by Andre Villas-Boas, and who recently signed Oscar.
What’s disappointing is that 27-year-old Witsel is one of the most in-demand holding midfielders in Europe.
In the past, he reportedly turned down Real Madrid and AC Milan to stay with money-bags Zenit St Petersburg, so it’s no wonder there are fears he’s willing to waste his potential in exchange for a quick buck.
And while he’s a decent player, it’s beyond ridiculous that he’ll now be ranked among the top ten earners in the world. Chelsea and Juve, meanwhile, will probably manage just fine without him.
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