Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is now expected to stun his European suitors and head for the Chinese Super League, reports Bild.
The striker scored 31 goals in last season’s Bundesliga, beating Robert Lewandowski to the Golden Boot in the process.
It’s almost certain that the Gabon international will seek a new challenge this summer, and according to the German publication, it will be with Tianjin Quanjian.
The Far East club have been heavily linked with Diego Costa since January, so it remains to be seen how this will affect their interest in the Chelsea star.
Aubameyang would be linking up with other big names Axel Witsel and Alexandre Pato, but it is still a switch that will surprise many if it does go ahead.
The 27-year-old has dropped a big hint that he’s set to leave BVB with his latest Instagram post, reading ‘Ready for new adventures’.
It’s surprising not only because Tianjin finished sixth in the Chinese Super League and Auba has reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool, but also because of new financial rules.
For deals exceeding €5.9 million, Chinese clubs now have to pay the equivalent sum again to the Chinese Football Development Foundation – and in this case, Aubammeyang could cost as much as €80m.
That money seems to be no object to the club, however, as their billionaire owner has instructed officials to make the deal happen whatever the cost.
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