Real Madrid 'agree deal' to sign China’s Zhang Linpeng
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Published 23/09/2015 at 13:53 GMT
Real Madrid have reached an agreement to sign Chinese defender Zhang Linpeng in January, according to government TV channel CCTV.
Zhang Linpeng (L) of China fights for the ball with Mohammed Al Salhlawi (R) of Saudi Arabia during the first round Asian Cup football match between China and Saudi Arabia at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on January 10, 2015. AFP PHOTO / PATRICK HAMILTO
Image credit: AFP
The Guangzhou Evergrande and China centre-back, who has been likened to Sergio Ramos because of his numerous tattoos and aggressive playing style, was reportedly a Chelsea target over the summer and said he had a “formal invitation” to join the London side.
“I'm very happy and very excited to finally have this formal invitation," Zhang told Titan newspaper at the time.
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Linpeng has been compared with Ramos (right), 2015
Image credit: AFP
“I've worked hard and waited these five or six years for my dream of playing overseas, and finally have recognition from the English Premier League.”
However, it seems as though Madrid may have got to Linpeng first. The 26-year-old often chips in with goals from defence, much like Madrid captain Ramos, and has scored 11 league goals in 97 appearances.
Madrid have never signed an Asian player so snaring one of China’s leading stars would be a huge marketing move by president Florentino Perez.
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