Top valued CSL players. The Chinese Super League emerged as one of the most lucrative destinations for footballers in the last decade, with clubs backed by substantial investment happy to spend big on attracting star names. The league, however, is going through a down period, due to the policy changes by the governing bodies. Here we profile the 10 most valuable players currently plying their trade in China’s top flight.
Oscar (Brazil, Attacking Midfield, 30 years old, Shanghai Port) – Valued at €20m
The highest valued player is Brazilian playmaker Oscar. Even at 30, his creative talents and ability to dictate play from midfield have remained world-class since joining Port in 2017. With his superb close control, range of passing and eye for goal, Oscar is the fulcrum of this Shanghai Port side. Since arriving, he has helped them win the Chinese FA Cup in 2019. Oscar will be crucial to any success they achieve going forward.
Matías Vargas (Argentina, Left Winger, 26 years old, Shanghai Port) – Valued at €5.00m
Argentine winger Matías Vargas has enjoyed an excellent debut season in China since joining Port from Velez Sarsfield. His dribbling ability, trickery and eye for goal have helped him settle quickly. Vargas will look to enhance his reputation further.
Marcao (Brazil, Centre-Forward, 29 years old, Wuhan Three Towns) – Valued at €12m
Leading the line for Wuhan Three Towns is Brazilian striker Marcao. The powerful 29-year old is a prolific scorer, netting 12 times in 20 games this season already. Marcao’s predatory instincts in the box and strength to hold off defenders make him a constant danger. His link-up play and ability to bring others into the game also make him more than just a goalscorer.
Rômulo (Brazil, Attacking Midfield, 28 years old, Chengdu Rongcheng) – Valued at €10m
Brazilian playmaker Rômulo has been a key player for Chengdu since joining in 2020 with his range of passing, close control and ability to link midfield and attack. Standing at just 1.68m, Rômulo makes up for his lack of stature with his technical quality. He is the creative fulcrum of this Chengdu side, capable of picking out passes others cannot see. Rômulo will be vital to any success they achieve going forward.
Cryzan (Brazil, Centre-Forward, 27 years old, Shandong Taishan) – Valued at €8m
Leading the line for league leaders Shandong Taishan is Brazilian striker Cryzan. The 27-year old is a powerful presence with an eye for goal, scoring 10 times already this season. His hold-up play has also improved, allowing Shandong to build attacks from the front. At 1.86m tall, Cryzan combines physicality with technique, using his strength to outmuscle defenders.
Christian Bassogog (Cameroon, Right Winger, 28 years old, Shanghai Shenhua) – Valued at €7m
Cameroonian international Christian Bassogog has been a standout performer for Shenhua since joining in 2020. His searing pace, trickery and ability to beat defenders make him a constant threat. Bassogog is a true winger in the mould of old, hugging the touchline and looking to get to the byline to deliver crosses. His direct running causes havoc for opposition full-backs.
Leonardo (Brazil, Centre-Forward, 26 years old, Zhejiang FC) – Valued at €6m
Leading the line for Zhejiang is Brazilian striker Leonardo. At just 26, the powerful forward is developing a knack for goals in the CSL, with his hold-up play and physicality also assets for bringing others into play. Standing at 1.88m, Leonardo has the frame to shake off defenders and the technique to find the net. He looks destined for a big move if he keeps progressing.
Frank Acheampong (Ghana, Left Winger, 30 years old, Shenzhen FC) – Valued at €5m
Ghanaian international Frank Acheampong has impressed with his trickery, dribbling and work-rate for Shenzhen since joining in 2020. The 30-year old winger is a constant threat, capable of scoring and assisting. Acheampong is quick, direct and two-footed, making him difficult for defenders to predict. His experience has also been valuable to Shenzhen’s development.
Jean Evrard Kouassi (Cote d’Ivoire, Left Winger, 29 years old, Zhejiang FC) – Valued at €4m
Ivorian Kouassi has shown his ability to beat defenders since moving to Zhejiang in 2021. The 29-year-old left winger is direct, skillful and capable of creating chances for teammates. Kouassi’s close control and changes of pace make him a nightmare for full-backs to handle one versus one.
Serginho (Brazil, Attacking Midfield, 28 years old, Changchun Yatai) – Valued at €3.5m
Orchestrating attacks for Changchun is Brazilian playmaker Serginho. The 28-year-old uses his technical quality and passing range to influence games from midfield. Serginho is the creative hub for Changchun, capable of threading balls through tight spaces or switching play rapidly.
In conclusion, despite being nowhere near its peak, the Chinese League is still more than capable of pulling few top talents. More players may be tempted in future to enhance the CSL’s status on the global stage. The league’s competitiveness and quality continues to grow year on year.
