Argentinian international defender Javier Mascherano was unveiled as the Chinese Super League's most high-profile signing in a year on Wednesday as he joined Hebei China Fortune from Barcelona. The highly decorated 33-year-old is the biggest name to head to China since his fellow Argentine Carlos Tevez 12 months ago. After a series of record transfers, Chinese authorities moved to crack down on sky-rocketing deals last year.
Mascherano will take the number 14 shirt - the same he wore at Barcelona and for his country - and team up with another Argentina international, Ezequiel Lavezzi, at Hebei, who are based in the northern city of Qinhuangdao and are coached by former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini.
“After reaching agreement with Barcelona FC and the player himself, the distinguished Argentine captain Mascherano has, starting today, officially joined Hebei China Fortune Football Club,” the Chinese side said, without disclosing the transfer fee.
Barcelona announced on Tuesday that Mascherano, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, was leaving the club after seven-and-a-half successful seasons, without stating his destination.
Last month, Sport, a Catalan daily, said that Hebei had reached a deal to sign him from Barca for €10 million, conditional on the Spanish club plugging the gap, which they did by signing Colombian centre-back Yerry Mina. Chinese media however put the transfer fee at €5.5 million, saying that is just under the threshold that would trigger a 100 percent tax under rules imposed by the Chinese Football Association (CFA) on incoming foreign transfers last May.
The Catalan giants said Mascherano would be given an official farewell on Wednesday and say goodbye to fans at Thursday's Copa del Rey quarter-final, second leg against Espanyol.
Mascherano, who first arrived at the Nou Camp from Liverpool in 2010, made over 330 appearances for Barcelona and won 18 titles with the side. He also played under five different managers, including Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.
