China Under-19 striker Xiang Baixu has become the latest youngster to try his hand at European football, with Saint-Etienne officially announcing his capture via their Twitter account on Monday.
Xiang, 18, is regarded as one of China’s best prospects and a potentially important player for the national team given the lack of strikers developing to a high level in recent seasons.
A member of the Sichuan youth side at last year’s National Games, Xiang was called to the China Under-19 squad last year’s Asian Cup qualifiers and impressed as the team reached the finals to be held in Myanmar later this year.
Xiang has been training in France since January and, per Chinese reports on his new contract, was handed a contract by Les Verts after just three training sessions during his trial period.
For now, he will link up with the side’s youth setup but hopes are high that the tall forward can eventually succeed at senior level.
Per Wild East Football‘s understanding, Xiang’s Under-19 national team colleague and fellow Sichuan youngster, defensive midfielder Min Quanxin, has also been on trial in France over recent weeks and is currently training with Ligue 1 side Marseille.
Tags: China Under-19, France, Ligue 1, Min Quanxin, Saint-Etienne, Sichuan, Xiang Baixu