Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentine forward Ezequiel Lavezzi has signed with Hebei China Fortune, his new club said Wednesday, making the 30-year-old the latest European-based footballer drawn east by jaw-dropping sums.
Hebei described him as “the next Maradona” on a verified social media account.
It did not disclose a transfer fee, but previous British press reports said he would earn 23.5 million pounds ($33.6 million) over two years.
Klopp’s eye for bargain Matip saves millions for Reds
Liverpool have saved millions by signing defender Joel Matip on a free transfer from German Bundesliga side Schalke 04, manager Juergen Klopp has said.
The German-born Cameroon international will move to Anfield when his contract expires at the end of the season and Klopp said Schalke could have named their price for the 24-year-old had he stayed under contract.
“He was an easy choice,” Klopp was quoted as saying by the British media.
“I know in England it is really difficult to sign a player without paying a transfer fee but I thought it cannot be a reason not to take him only because you cannot put a number behind his name.
“If you asked in Germany what other clubs would have paid for him had he still been under contract, you can just pick a number.
“You cannot play in a club like Schalke for six years without having big quality. He can be a really good centre-half in the Premier League.”
The manager also confirmed that Liverpool’s pursuit of Matip was his initiative and not down to the club’s transfer committee.
Matip is Klopp’s second signing at Liverpool after Serbian midfielder Marko Grujic agreed to join the Premier League club from Red Star Belgrade at the end of the season.
Other rumours reported in British media
– The Metro is reporting that Diego Simone will become Chelsea’s new manager in the summer. The 45-year-old has reportedly agreed a deal to leave Atletico Madrid in favour of the Stamford Bridge job.
– Arsene Wenger is determined to get his hands on Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick. The veteran is out of contract in the summer and the Daily Mirror reports that Wenger will make a fourth attempt to get him to the club.
– Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Benfica’s Renato Sanches, according to the Daily Express. The 18-year-old is highly-rated and has reportedly been brought to United’s attention by Jose Mourinho.
– Tottenham and West Ham will go head to head for the signature of Marseille’s Michy Batshuayi. The 22-year-old Belgian striker could cost around £25million reckon the Daily Mirror.
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