Bayern forward makes China move
Germany's striker Sandro Wagner (right) celebrates with defenders Joshua Kimmich (left) and Mats Hummels (centre) after scoring the second goal during their FIFA World Cup 2018 qualification match against Northern Ireland at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast on October 5, 2017. PHOTO | PAUL FAITH |
What you need to know:
- The Chinese club are coached by Uli Stielike, who was part of the West Germany side that won the 1980 European Championship.
- Teda have struggled in the CSL in recent years, and finished just outside the relegation zone last season.
SHANGHAI
Bayern Munich forward Sandro Wagner on Wednesday joined Tianjin Teda in the Chinese Super League (CSL) for a reported transfer fee of five million euros and a hefty pay packet.
A growing number of players are leaving Europe for China and typically earn much higher wages, although Chinese football authorities have moved to cool the transfer market.
The 31-year-old former Germany international started just once for Bundesliga champions Bayern this season and failed to make the squad for their past two games.
"Sandro Wagner came to us and asked to be released from his contract," said Munich's sports director Hasan Salihamidzic.
"He had a very attractive offer from China and we met his request."
Chinese and German media said Teda paid about five million euros for the forward, though German daily Bild said previously that Bayern wanted more than that.
Wagner has signed a two-year deal and will pocket about 7.5 million euros a season, Bild said, calling it "a mega salary".
The burly Wagner joined Bayern from Hoffenheim for 13 million euros last January to provide cover for Robert Lewandowski.
But he had become increasingly frustrated by his lack of playing time under Bayern head coach Niko Kovac.
Munich-born Wagner will link up with former Hertha Berlin team-mate Felix Bastians at Teda, who are coached by another German, Uli Stielike.
Teda have struggled in the CSL in recent years, and finished just outside the relegation zone last season.
Wagner's wife Denise and their three children will join him in China, Bild said.
Wagner retired from international duty with Germany in May last year -- an angry reaction to being left out of the 2018 World Cup squad by Joachim Loew, despite scoring five goals in eight games for his country.
The Chinese season begins on March 1..
