China: The Next Football 'Super League?'
Over the last month that included the transfer window, it hasn't been England that has been making headlines. Or Spain. Or Italy. Or France. Or Portugal. In fact, no country in Europe has been making headlines with their overall spending as a country. That country is China.
In the space of 10 days, the Chinese Super League transfer record was broken three times (Ramires signing for Jiangsu Suning for £25 million, Jackson Martinez signing for Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao for £31 million and most notably former Liverpool target Alex Teixeria to Jiangsu Suning for £38.4 million). The Chinese Super League transfer window runs until 26th February and they have also captured some other notable names into their league, such as ex-Everton striker Nikica Jelavic and ex-Birmingham City striker Obafemi Martins.
Why are the CSL spending like they're Real Madrid or Manchester City? Well, it seems like a politically backed push as President Xi has said to be a huge fan of Football and that China want to host a World Cup in the near future. It has also been made compulsory in the Chinese curriculum, so except some Chinese wonder-kids on the horizon.
There have already been some negative comments in regards to these buys, as Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger said that it wouldn't be sustainable and might ruin the development of the national league. The alternative side is that the commercial side of Football will have taken note of the already filthy rich league, an example being Manchester City going to China for their participation in the International Champions Cup (glorified tournament if there ever was one).
My opinion? It might be sustainable for the summer transfer window to come but beyond that I can't see the same number of household-ish names going to the country with a 1.3 billion population and money to burn. Ultimately, I feel that fans (and a little later) European clubs will become annoyed with the transfer policy of the CSL and be extremely reluctant when discussing bids from them. China will then have to turn to its grassroots/academy systems, something ex-Everton midfielder Tim Cahill was heavily involved in until his recent announcement that he will be leaving Shanghai Shenhua. At the moment, it seems like another MLS situation in which players go there for the final move of their career but hopefully China invests in their academies and grassroots level in order to sustain this significant and welcoming momentum/expose from Football fans.
Alex Teixeria is currently the Chinese Super League's record signing, at £38.4 million from Shakhtar Donetsk.
