Carlos Tevez Becomes World’s Highest-Paid Footballer

Argentine footballer Carlos Tevez is set to become the world’s highest paid footballer after the striker reportedly signed a two-year contract with Shanghai Shenhua which will see him earn about €720,000 per week.

Carlos Tevez is now the world's sixth most expensive player

Shenhua and Argentina club Boca Juniors announced the transfer agreement for the 32-year-old Tevez on Thursday following weeks of rumors and speculation.

Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC reached a transfer agreement with Argentina Club Atletico Boca Juniors. Carlos Alberto Tevez is officially joined Shanghai Shenhua,” the club said in a statement.

Although no financial details of the deal were released, media reports have suggested that the Chinese club paid €84m for Tevez, who returned to Argentina last year after spells in England and Italy.

The hefty price tag will make Tevez the world’s sixth most expensive player, behind Paul Pogba, Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain and Neymar.

However, this deal is not the first time Shanghai Greenland Shenhua, the largest Chinese city’s main soccer club, has caught international media attention.

Stars including Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka have already donned the club’s jersey.

The Chinese Super League seems to be making a statement as it is attracting football stars with its money.

Tevez is the second big-money arrival in China’s biggest city in less than a week after Brazilian midfielder Oscar joined local rivals Shanghai SIPG from Chelsea in a deal believed to be worth €60m.

Graziano Pelle, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Jackson Martinez are all recent arrivals in China, while Shanghai SIPG manager Andre Villas-Boas is also on a lucrative contract since replacing former England boss Sven Goran-Eriksson.

Tevez will team up with other high-profile internationals at the club, including Senegalese striker Demba Ba, Nigerian forward Obafemi Martins and Colombian midfielder Fredy Guarin.