Tianjin owner confirms Chinese bid for Karim Benzema
"We need an out-and-out striker so we made a bid for Benzema," Tianjin Quanjian owner, Shu Yuhui, told Chinese TV, but revealed new rules over foreign players has thwarted plans.
It seems to be with each passing week these days that a Chinese team is reported to have made a big-money offer for one of Real Madrid’s top stars, and this week it’s no different.
Karim Benzema is the player linked with the Chinese Super League this time around following recent news of separate advances for Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodríguez.
And the club in question is Tianjin Quanjian – one of the sides also linked with a move for James – after its owner, Shu Yuhui, admitted that he attempted to buy the French striker in an interview with Chinese TV
"We made a bid for Benzema"
"Our club had a massive investment plan for the new season but it was tightened up by the new rules," Shu told Tianjin Sports Channel, referring to the Chinese Football Association’s confirmation that it would limit the number of foreign players permitted to play in the 2017 season.
"We need an out-and-out striker so we made a bid for Benzema. We also made an attempt for [Monaco striker] Falcao.
“As a matter of fact, the club had even prepared the contracts for Falcao and [Benfica striker] Raul Jimenez. We had already reached agreement with them on wages and bonus. The pair were expected to sign the contracts, but the new rules forced us to give up on them."
Costa, Falcao and Cavani interest
Revealing more about Tianjin's transfer plans, Shu also shed light on his meetings with Jorge Mendes, the super-agent whose clients include Cristiano Ronaldo among others.
"I made an appointment with Mendes and he came to my hometown to visit me. At that time, we were interested in signing [Chelsea’s] Diego Costa," he added.
"PSG told us Cavani would only be allowed to leave in June, even though the player himself was willing to join us. The same can be said for Costa because Chelsea would only let him leave in June. However, the new season of CSL will almost reach the halfway stage in June, we can't wait so long."