The Chinese Super League has attracted a number of big names in the last couple of years as it looks to establish itself as the go-to destination for footballers leaving Europe.
But it’s not just players who are making their way east – Premier League winning manager Manuel Pellegrini has decided to make the move to China just months after leaving Manchester City.
Pellegrini, who brought a league title to the Etihad Stadium in 2014, has taken over at Hebei China Fortune.
The club currently sits in fifth place in the CSL, five points off an Asian Champions League place with seven games remaining, and their squad includes former Paris Saint-Germain forward Ezequiel Lavezzi and one-time Arsenal winger Gervinho.
It's official! Former @ManCity boss Manuel Pellegrini has named as new manager of #HebeiCFFC… #ChineseSuperLeague pic.twitter.com/2IGDO47HQK
— Chinese Super League (@ChineseFooty) August 27, 2016
Pellegrini, who replaces former Everton and China defender Li Tie in charge of Hebei China Fortune, joins a league with a growing number of foreign managers as well as high-profile overseas players.
Luiz Felipe Scolari was named manager of the year in 2015, while Sven-Göran Eriksson and Felix Magath are also in charge of teams in China.
The big-money signings to trade Europe or South America for Asia over the last 12 months include former Chelsea midfielder Ramires, one-time Liverpool target Alex Teixeira, and Italy’s 2016 striker Graziano Pellè.
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