What is it about Chinese domestic football and underperforming Premier League players?
Not content with Paulinho and Ramires heading east, West Ham ‘striker’ Nikica Jelavic looks set to be the next player to trade in the English top flight for those sweet, sweet Yuan regular football in a growing and competitive league.
But Jelavic isn’t even moving to the Chinese Super League – instead it’s a second-tier outfit, Beijing Ren He, who are said to be ready to offer the Croatian a lucrative £9m over the course of his contract.
Sky Sources: West Ham striker Nikica Jelavic close to agreeing deal to join Chinese second division side Beijing Ren He #SSNHQ
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 9, 2016
Jelavic’s arrival from Hull City in the summer didn’t exactly prompt Hammers fans to take to the streets in celebration, and a return of two goals in 15 games is, quite frankly, more than many were expecting.
With that in mind, we shouldn’t be surprised by the reaction to his impending exit, even if the £9m quoted is now understood to be his wages and not, as first thought, a transfer fee.
Especially given earlier rumours that West Ham star Dimitri Payet was subject of a £38m bid from China.
@SkySportsNewsHQ YESSSSSS
— Sam Diss (@SamDiss) February 9, 2016
