Li, Sun Rated Most Eligible to Play Abroad: Anylasis

Though the World Cup qualifying success brought much wider attention to the Chinese internationals, football pundits argued that only few players have the strength to ply trade in the intensely-contested European leagues.

After China booked a long-awaited berth for the 2002 World Cup finals after six straight failed bids, one of the biggest talking points is that any other Chinese international will ride on the recent qualifying success to play in Europe.

Three Chinese players--Fan Zhiyi(Crystal Palace of England), Yan Chen (Bundesliga second league Eintracht Frankfurt) and Xie Hui (Alemania Aachen of Bundesliga second league) -- have settled in the European leagues.

But not all Chinese players were able to find a footing like them. Forward Li Jingyu and midfielder Ma Mingyu all have unpleasant memories in the French first division and Italian Serie A respectively. They had to return home after being left on the bench for most of the time.

After China secured a slot in the World Cup finals, to be co- hosted by Japan and South Korea, there have been reports that scouts are rushing to contact quite a few internationals, and some China-based foreign coaches like Briton Bobby Houghton, former head coach of China, are also helping their favorite players transfer abroad.

But officials of the Chinese first division clubs seemed to be low key in this issue, thinking that the Chinese footballers should take a look-before-leap attitude in considering the transfer abroad.

Most thought that so far only midfielder Li Tie and defender Sun Jihai are the most likely to be signed by foreign clubs.

"Whether in terms of age or their strengths, both players are in the best position to play abroad," said Chen Penghui, general manager of the Liaoning Fushun club.

Regardless of changes to national head coaches, Li has been one of the few regular shows in international matches and rated as irreplaceable defensive midfielder of the Chinese team.

Li, who plays for Liaoning Fushun, has been reported to be transferred to the Dutch top side Amsterdam Ajax. Liaoning chairman Zao Guojun confirmed that Ajax has shown "keen interest" in the 24-year-old midfielder.

Ajax had sent officials early last month to negotiate Li's transfer, but the Liaoning club preferred Li to join an Italian Series A or English Premier League team, said Chen.

Sun has been one of the most glittering stars in China's World Cup campaign, hailed as a player outstanding in all the football departments except the goalie position.

He had a short stint with the English first division Crystal Palace but later moved back to come to the rescue of his original club Dalian Wanda, which is struggling in domestic league competition.

The 25-year-old came close to signing a deal with England Premier side Newcastle United early this year but the move was later shelved for his World Cup duties.

Analysts said that his impressive performances in China's eventual success in qualifying for the tournament will do nothing but make his worth surge.

His club official have confirmed that Italian Serie A teams AC Milan and Turin have been running after Sun and negotiations are in progress.






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