Midfielder sets Chinese transfer record

Chinese Super League leaders Guangzhou have reportedly smashed the nation’s transfer record to land Fluminense midfielder Dario Conca.

Conca, two-time reigning player of the season in Brazil Serie A, has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with Guangzhou worth US$10 million, according to reports from China.

His transfer eclipses that of former record-holder and new team-mate Cleo, who signed with Guangzhou earlier this year for US$4.65m.

“This is a good offer for the club, and words cannot describe what it represents to Conca. It will allow him and his family financial security in just two and a half years,” Fluminense coach Abel Braga said, according to Brazilian website Globoesporte.

“This offer will put him in the top ten highest-paid players in the world. Let us hope that it happens. He is a guy who has completely identified with the club but this is a unique opportunity.”

Conca, 28, led Fluminense to the Serie A title last term, scoring nine goals in 38 appearances.

The midfielder joined the club on loan from Argentine giants River Plate in 2008 before making a permanent switch one year later.