Shanghai Shenhua secure Jose Antonio Reyes signature

Jose Antonio Reyes has a distinguished career behind him.

The 34-year-old started his professional career at Sevilla, whereas he also represented Arsenal, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Benfica before returning to his boyhood club in 2012.

After his second stint with the Rojiblancos, Reyes joined Espanyol on a yearlong deal and is currently without a club.

Seeing that the summer transfer window for Europe’s top leagues got closed more than a week ago, Jose Antonio Reyes has decided to try his luck in China. The Chinese football authorities have adopted a new set of financial rules which slowed down the advancing pace of the Chinese football.

Jose Antonio Reyes, however, moves east as a free agent and involves significantly lower costs for the side that currently has Carlos Tevez, Obafemi Martins, Freddy Guarin and Demba Ba on the books.

Jose Antonio Reyes will meet a familiar face on the bench as well. Former Sunderland and Real Betis manager Gus Poyet is currently in charge of Shanghai Shenhua who are sitting in 11^th place in the standings.

Reyes bagged four goals in 23 matches for Espanyol last season and the Chinese side hope he will add productivity and proficiency to the sluggish frontline.