Cameroon winger Christian Bassogog has become the latest African player to join the likes of John Obi Mikel, Odion Ighalo and Gervinho in the Chinese Super League.
The 21-year-old has completed a deal with Henan Jianye from Danish club AaB Aalborg, and will begin his new adventure in China with immediate effect. The deal is reported to be worth €6 million.
The Indomitable Lions star was named the best player at the recently-concluded 2017 Africa Cup of Nations held in Gabon, after his two goals during the tournament and consistent quality performances helped Cameroon to clinch their fifth AFCON title against Egypt in the final.
His efforts in Gabon were being closely monitored, and Bassogog is now preparing with his new club ahead of the new Chinese season which begins on March 3.
His new Chinese club narrowly avoided relegation last season, as they were three points above their rivals who lost their place in the top-flight, and Bassogog will be aware that he will be expected to carry his AFCON form into the Chinese Super League in order to better the club’s finish in 2016.
The winger is one of two Cameroonian players plying their trade in the Chinese league, as Stephane M’Bia represents Hebei Fortune.
It is a pity to see such a young African talent join the increasingly popular and well-resourced Chinese Super League over a European club at this stage of his career, thereby giving up on a chance to feature in the UEFA Champions League and ensuring that African football fans find it more difficult to follow his escapades in China.
The Chinese top-flight is not widely broadcast in Africa, with broadcasters giving preference to European leagues such as the Premier League in the UK, Spain’s La Liga and France’s Ligue 1, as well as the premier interclub European football competition, the UEFA Champions League.