Top clubs to keep powder dry in Chinese Super League transfer window of uncertainty
After estimated US$500 million was spent before the 2017 season, new regulations are set to change the approach of China’s leading clubs
Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande have no plans to make any additions to their squad in the mid-season transfer window, which looks set to open on Monday in an air of uncertainty because of proposed new regulations.
Estimates of spending by Chinese Super League clubs in the previous transfer window, which closed at the end of February, range up to US$500 million with the likes of Carlos Tevez, Axel Witsel and Oscar lured to China.
A regulation change that restricted the use of foreign players in domestic matches followed immediately, as the Chinese authorities looked to stem the flood of money leaving the country in transfer fees and wages.
Another regulatory change proposed by Chinese Football Association (CFA) this week looks set to encourage a cautious approach from clubs in the new window and a repeat of the big splurge on foreign talent is highly unlikely.
Guangzhou’s reason for not adding to a squad coached by Luiz Felipe Scolari which already includes Brazilian Paulinho and Colombian Jackson Martinez is rather simpler - they are doing well enough as it is.
