Asian champions Guangzhou Evergrande have announced their third signing of the off-season, unveiling former Qingdao Jonoon captain Liu Jian via social media site Weibo.
Liu, 29, joins former teammate Zheng Long at the Tianhe Stadium following Jonoon’s relegation to the China League One, with his contract with the Shandong side having expired on December 31.
A regular China international, Liu has spent much of his career playing in a defensive midfield role. However, he is known to be a versatile player and has plentiful experience across the defensive line.
His capture, confirmed on Friday, only adds to the expectation that midfielder Qin Sheng will be allowed to depart the Tianhe Stadium in the near future after a poor campaign in 2013 in which he made headlines predominantly for disciplinary issues.
Liu had been linked with both Guangzhou R&F and Jiangsu Sainty, with reports stating he was close to joining former National Team coach Gao Hongbo in Nanjing. Instead, Evergrande moved quickly to secure his capture.
Speaking about his move, Liu said on Friday afternoon: “Now I have joined Evergrande, I hope that I can work hard to help the team to yet more success. To be recognised by coach Marcello Lippi and Evergrande as a club makes me very proud.
“I am nearly thirty and don’t want to have regrets from my career as a footballer. My desire to win a Championship and to play in the AFC Champion League is the reason for my move and I hope that I can use this great platform at Evergrande to add further glory to my career.”
Liu will join fellow new boys Mei Fang and Rene Junior in Guangzhou when Evergrande begin their pre-season campaign on January 20.
