Obafemi Martins of Seattle Sounders
Seattle Sounders’ forward, Obafemi Martins is set to be the latest star footballer to join the Chinese league.
ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle first reported that the Nigerian international striker had caught the eye of multiple CSL teams, and today the BBC said there’s a landing spot: Shanghai Shenhua, is set to sign the former Inter Milan striker for a yet to be disclosed sum.
In just under three full years with Seattle, Martins has produced 43 goals in 83 appearances across all competitions, and he helped the MLS club to their first Supporters’ Shield in 2014 as well as that year’s US Open Cup title, their fourth.
Martins was an MVP finalist that season, losing out to LA Galaxy’s Robbie Keane.
The 31-year old had parlayed his strong MLS form into a return to the Super Eagles, picking up two caps at the tail end of 2015. He has 18 goals in 41 international appearances for Nigeria.
Other recognizable names at the Shanghai club include former Chelsea striker and Senegal international Demba Ba, as well as Australian legend Tim Cahill who endured three topsy-turvy years in MLS with the Red Bulls.
Another former Sounders striker, Fredy Montero, was transferred to Tianjin Teda from Sporting CP last week.
On Martins, Seattle have declined comments on the report.
The Sounders kick off their 2016 campaign on 23 February against Club America in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.
Source: MLSsoccer.com
Obafemi Martins close to China deal
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