Is US$52m write-off Jackson Martinez the biggest flop in Chinese Super League history?
Colombian striker released by champions Guangzhou Evergrande after costing US$12.3m per goal but other failures give him a run for his money as worst signing
After two years blighted by injury, Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou Evergrande have released Colombian striker Jackson Martinez.
The 31-year-old arrived in Guangdong from Atletico Madrid but his career has stalled as he has made just 16 appearances, the last in October 2016.
Martinez is now looking for a new club as he tries to ignite his bid to play in the World Cup in Russia, while Evergrande are happy to write off his US$52 million transfer fee.
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Having scored just four goals – at a cost of US$12.3 million per goal – is Martinez the biggest flop in Chinese Super League history?
Shanghai Shenhua’s Carlos Tevez looks on during the Shanghai derby. Photo: AFP
Carlos Tevez
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What else can be said about Tevez? The Argentine striker arrived at Shanghai Shenhua with much fanfare but treated his time in China as a funfair, famously opting to go to Disneyland over watching his teammates. Even accounting for injuries, his four-goal return was poor and being dropped for the cup final summed up a season that was best forgotten. Laughed his way back to Boca Juniors to count his millions at the start of the year.
Germany’s Carsten Jancker jokes with Michael Ballack during a training session. Photo: AP
