Zenit have confirmed Juventus transfer target Axel Witsel’s move to Chinese club Tianjin Quanjian for a reported €20m.
The Belgium international midfielder had just six months left on his contract in St Petersburg.
He had originally agreed to join Juventus, either for a minimal fee this month or as a free agent at the end of the season.
Instead, he was swayed by the promise of massive wages in China, believed to be worth €18m per year over five years.
Zenit have confirmed Juventus transfer target Axel Witsel’s move to Chinese club Tianjin Quanjian for a reported €20m.
The Belgium international midfielder had just six months left on his contract in St Petersburg.
He had originally agreed to join Juventus, either for a minimal fee this month or as a free agent at the end of the season.
Instead, he was swayed by the promise of massive wages in China, believed to be worth €18m per year over five years.
Although Witsel was linked at first with Shanghai SIPG, he has agreed a move to Fabio Cannavaro’s Tianjin Quanjuan instead.
“FC Zenit and Tianjin Quanjian have agreed a deal for the Belgian midfielder’s move away from St. Petersburg,” read a statement on the club website.
“Axel Witsel joined the blue-white-sky blues in September 2012 and spent five seasons in St. Petersburg. During this time Axel played 180 matches, scored 22 goals and made 13 assists.
“While at Zenit, Axel won the Russian league title, the Russian Cup and the Russian Super Cup.
“Everyone here at Zenit wishes to thanks Axel for his contribution to the club's history.”