Who's next: 5 players primed for a move to China
The thought that moving to China in order to advance one's footballing career simply doesn't exist.
What does exist, however, is the chance for footballers to earn more money than they deserve.
It wasn't until the country made a significant investment in the sport that the football world began to take notice, as the Chinese Super League began scooping up the likes of Carlos Tevez, Oscar, Hulk, Alex Teixeira, Jackson Martinez, and others, for exorbitant transfer fees that have become standard whenever a player is linked with a move out east.
Related: Tevez completes move to China, will reportedly earn world-record wage
Here are five players who could be set to cash in and move to China:
Fernando Torres
Torres won't be short on options once his Atletico Madrid contract expires in the summer.
Although he could have a number of teams in Europe lining up at his door, the 33-year-old - who has been hampered by injuries this season - fits the mold of a player who could line his pockets with a move to either North America or China.
Interest in the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker could pick up once again in the summer in a similar fashion to the reported eight offers submitted to Torres in January 2016 before he committed to Atletico for another season.
Mario Balotelli
It would fitting if Balotelli defied conventional wisdom and opted for a move to China rather than building on his success with Nice by returning to a major European club.
The unpredictable Italian forward should have a bevy of options to choose from if he continues to revive his career at Nice until the summer transfer window rolls around.
Based on the wads of cash being thrown around, one could foresee a scenario where the 26-year-old attracts the type of attention that could possibly trigger a bidding frenzy and see Balotelli come out as one of the best paid footballers in the world.
Yaya Toure
Despite his new-found urgency to prove the naysayers wrong and prolong his Manchester City career, it's almost inconceivable to think Toure will return to England, let alone to the Etihad Stadium.
The Ivorian's renewed passion, however, could afford him an opportunity to return to the negotiating table and rehash talks with interested Chinese suitors who were reportedly willing to offer him a £30-million contract that would have paid Toure close to £600,000 per week.
Although the price tag has fallen, considering his reduced role at City under manager Pep Guardiola, Toure is a global footballing figure with the ability to draw crowds, which could earn more than the current £240,000-a-week salary if he opts to continue his career in China.
Angel Di Maria
Whether he's playing in Spain, England, or France, Di Maria doesn't appear to have the ability to find a comfort zone with any of the high-profile clubs he's represented over the years.
So, why would the Argentine possibly move to China?
Well, the escape from managers who he continually butts heads with or insists on playing him out of position should be of interest to Di Maria. He would undoubtedly welcome the freedom on the pitch in order to play a leading role with a Chinese Super League club.
A move could come to fruition in the near future with reports linking Di Maria with a move to Shanghai Shenhua after his frustrating start to the season under manager Unai Emery at Paris Saint-Germain.
The 28-year-old has boatloads of talent, but if his tumultuous history tells us anything, finding success and comfort in China is far from guaranteed.
Robin van Persie
Van Persie already made one surprise move when he joined Turkish outfit Fenerbahce. So, hardly anyone would bat an eye if the Dutch forward set off to play in China.
Like Torres, the aging forward, formerly of Arsenal and Manchester United, could be tempted by the prospect of one last payday, regardless of whether that comes from China or a possible move to Major League Soccer.