Beijing Guoan Expected to Poach Manchester City Players
By Justine Lopez
It’s no secret that Chinese Super League team Beijing Guoan will soon be aggressively pursuing members of Manchester City. The club recently created a “short list” of the Man City players that interest them the most, Manchester Evening News reports.
Exactly which top players will be courted by the Beijing club is still unknown, though it appears that no one is out of reach. Top players such as Sergio Aguero and David Silva could see hefty pay raises if they sign with the capital's team.
Manchester City is headed to Beijing later this month where they will compete in the International Champions Cup (ICC). The much-anticipated grudge match against Manchester United will take place on July 25 at the Bird's Nest Stadium.
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The occasion could be a prime opportunity for Beijing Guoan to make a move.
The ICC’s Eric Gao recently spoke at the Agence France Presse and said that thought will soon turn into action.
“Beijing Guoan have drawn up a short list of top players from Manchester City who interest them,” he said. “I cannot tell you any of their names as it would not be the opportune time to do so."
“I am working closely with the Beijing and Shanghai clubs on targeting players. In terms of the Premier League, there are no limits. Chinese clubs will pay players two or three times more than they are at present. The players would make more money at Chinese clubs.”
At this point it looks like Aguero and Silva will most likely remain in Manchester. However, signing with Beijing Guoan could be an appealing option for players like Samir Nasri and Eliaquim Mangala.
[Photo via Manchester Evening News]
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