23. December 2024
Oscar (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Former Chelsea star Oscar is set to leave China and return to Brazil, joining Sao Paulo on a three-year deal after eight years in the Chinese Super League.
Oscar, one of the first high-profile players to swap European football for China during the Chinese Super League’s financial boom, is returning home to Brazil after eight years in Asia. The 32-year-old attacking midfielder will reportedly sign a three-year contract with Sao Paulo, the club where he began his career.
Oscar shocked the football world in 2016 when he left Chelsea at the height of his powers to join Shanghai Port (formerly SIPG) in a record-breaking transfer worth €60 million. The move raised eyebrows, as the Brazilian international was widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in Europe at the time.
Over the past eight years, Oscar became a club legend in Shanghai, helping the team win three Chinese Super League titles. His quality on the pitch made him a standout player in China, but it was clear from the start that financial motivations played a significant role in his move.
During his time in the Chinese Super League, Oscar reportedly earned around €200 million in wages, cementing his status as one of the best-paid footballers in the world.
Now, Oscar is set to return to his roots. The Brazilian midfielder is rumored to have agreed to a three-year contract with Sao Paulo, the club where he began his professional career. His return to Brazil marks a full-circle moment in his career and could provide the experienced playmaker with a fresh challenge in his homeland.
Oscar began his career with Sao Paulo before moving to Internacional, where he caught the eye of European scouts. In 2012, he joined Chelsea, where he spent five seasons, winning the Premier League and the Europa League. For the Brazilian national team, Oscar earned 48 caps, scoring 12 goals and playing a key role in the 2014 World Cup.