PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Cedric Bakambu - Congolese star sad to leave Spain’s Villarreal

Cédric Bakambu

Monday Jan 15, 2018. 16:00

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) international Cedric Bakambu is set to become the most expensive African footballer when he joins Chinese side Beijing Guaon.

Bakambu has moved to Guoan from Spanish La Liga outfit Villareal after the Chinese Super League side agreed to pay the €40 million release clause.

According to media reports, Guoan has also agreed to pay all imposed taxes on the 26-year-old marksman that would make the deal reach a total of €74 million.

“I’m both happy and sad at the same time, a bit of both. But this is the life of a footballer,” he said on AS.
Bakambu joined Villarreal in 2015 on a five-year contract and netted a total of 46 goals for the club. He was named La Liga Player of the Month for October.

“This is an opportunity that’s going to change my life, I know it,” he continued.
“But it’s not easy to make a decision. I’ve spoken a lot with my family and in the end.

“We took this decision, I think it’s for the best.”

Guaon finished ninth on the 2017 Chinese Super League standings.

Bakambu along with Brazilian Renato Augusto and Spain’s Jonathan Soriano are the foreigners in the Guaon squad.