BY ALAN TEMPLE – CCP_Sport
Former Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic has become the latest big-name star to make a lucrative switch to China.
The 30-year-old joined West Ham from Hull City last summer in a £3 million deal but has struggled to make an impact at Upton Park, scoring just two goals in 15 appearances.
However, Beijing Renhe – who are in the second tier of Chinese football – are thought to have stumped up around £4 million to tempt Jelavic to the Far East ahead of the start of their season next month.
Hammers chairman David Gold tweeted: “Nikica Jelavic has completed his move to Chinese second division team Beijing Renhe. Good luck Nikica.”
The capture of Jelavic, who scored 36 goals in two seasons at Ibrox before joining Everton in 2012, is another illustration of the financial might of clubs in China, with the Croatian international following the likes of Ramires, Jackson Martinez, Fredy Guarin and Gervinho.
Scotland has not been immune to the spending spree, with Hearts talisman Osman Sow and experience Dundee United defender Ryan McGowan both prised away to Henan Jianye in the country’s top-flight.
