Ighalo joins Shanghai Shenshua FC

Odion Ighalo, Super Eagles forward has joined Shanghai Shenshua from another Chinese Super League side, Chanchung Yatai.

Shanghai Shenshua confirmed the 29-year deal on their Twitter handle.

Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo is joining Shenhua. He will reunite with Flores from their Watford days. Welcome @ighalojude pic.twitter.com/M3PCHbI1o4

— Shanghai Shenhua FC (@shanghaishenhua) February 14, 2019

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Inspire of Ighalo’s 22 goals last season for Changchun Yatai, the CSL side went on relegation.

The Super Eagles forward was linked with a move to La Liga’s Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League during the January transfer window.

A statement on the official Shanghai Shenhua website read: “Shanghai Greenland Shenhua Football Club and Changchun Yatai Football Club reached a transfer agreement, Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo has officially joined Shanghai Greenland Shenhua.

“Odion Ighalo was born in Lagos, Nigeria on June 16, 1989. He is 183cm tall and weighs 80kg. He is a striker.

“Ighalo started his career at the Oslo Lightning Club in Norway, and then moved to Serie A, La Liga, and Premier League. He played for Udinese, Granada, Watford and other clubs. In the 2014/15 season, Ihalo scored 20 goals in 35 games to help Watford, who was in the British crown, rushed to the Premier League.

“In the second year, under the leadership of the then coach, now Shenhua coach Flores, Watford relegated to the English FA Cup semi-final with Yiluo’s 37-game 16-ball performance.

“In 2017, Ighalo joined Changchun Yatai in the Super League and scored 36 goals in 55 games in two seasons. In the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Ighalo played all three group matches on behalf of Nigeria.

“The joining of Ighalo will effectively enhance Shenhua’s frontcourt attack and enrich the offensive means. With two seasons of experience in the Super League and working with current coach Flores, Ighalo will be able to integrate into the team as quickly as possible. Looking forward to his new season, he will help Shenshua to win more victories.

Ighalo will be joining his former EPL coach from Watford FC, Quique Sánchez Flores.

He will be making his debut for Shanghai Shenshua against Shanghai SIPG when the CSL season resumes on March 1.