Chinese Super League Decides For Wage Cap For New Contracts

The Chinese Super League have decided to put in place a wage cap which will see players only allowed to earn a basic £49,000-a-week, far less than the mega deals players are currently on.

Over the last few years the CSL and the clubs in China have splashed out big money on some of the biggest names in football, from Europe and South America.

It looks like the wage cap will bring an end to that spending and could see some of the biggest names return to Europe.

Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar, who left the club in 2017, if believed to earn £400k-a-week and, whilst that won't affect his current deal, he only has one year left on his contract.

Oscar in action in China. Image: PA Images

That means the Brazilian will either have to drop dramatically on his basic weekly wage or find a new club, and others will be in the same situation when their deals start coming to an end.

Speaking about the cap Chinese FA chairman Chen Xuyuan said, "Our clubs had too much money burned and our professional football has not been run in a sustainable way.

"If we don't take timely action, I fear it will collapse."

Clubs can spend up to £121 million-per-year on the running of the club with a maximum of 60% spent on wages, with Chinese national players capped at half of their foreign counterparts.

There is an increase in the amount of foreign players clubs can sign with the limit going from four to five, although teams will only be allowed to field four in a match.

As well as the likes of Oscar, Marouane Fellaini, Hulk, Yannick Carrasco and Marko Arnautovic, who may question their futures in the CSL, there is an issue for players who were considering moving there.

Gareth Bale looked set for a massive money move to the Far East last summer before Real Madrid pulled the deal late in the day.

The Welshman has played more than some expected under Zinedine Zidane this season but any thoughts the former Spurs man had of leaving the Bernabeu for China seem to be over.

Where will Oscar go when his contract expires?

Topics: Football News, Chinese football, Transfer stories, Transfer rumours, Premier League, gareth bale, England, Chinese Super League, Transfer news

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

@Sidler28