Is Marouane Fellaini set to make his Shandong Luneng debut in Hong Kong? Lunar New Year Cup organiser confident former Manchester United man could star
- Belgium international due to arrive Guangzhou today to join up with new club
- The Chinese Super League side will appear at the Lunar New Year Cup along with Sagan Tosu, Auckland City and a host select
The Belgium international is due to arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun international airport on Friday afternoon for his new club Shandong Luneng, one of the three overseas teams in the tournament.
“It will definitely be good news for the fans if he can play, but in the end it’s still up to Luneng to decide if they will field Fellaini after his arrival. We are doing all the procedures to facilitate his appearance in Hong Kong.”
ESPN reported that Fellaini has agreed a three-year contract worth around £12.2 million (US$16 million, HK$125.4 million) a year to move to Shandong, with United expected to receive around £10.5 million as a transfer fee.
The 31-year-old signed a new two-year deal at Old Trafford in the summer, but has found opportunities limited under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Luneng, who finished third in the Chinese Super League last season, have now begun their pre-season training in Guangdong and are due to arrive in Hong Kong on Sunday.
Fellaini’s arrival would provide a shot in the arm for the Hong Kong Stadium tournament which has so far sold 14,000 tickets.
Lo said they would expect 20,000 tickets sales to make the event budget balanced and was hopeful sales could reach 30,000.
The two-day tournament begins on Lunar New Year’s Day (February 5) with Luneng taking on Auckland City and Sagan Tosu meeting the home side. The two winners will then meet on February 7 for the top prize US$50,000.
