Football News

Pelle seals move to China

Pelle seals move to China


Graziano Pelle news

The Italian striker has completed his move to Shandong Luneng

Graziano Pelle has completed his move from Southampton to Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng for £12 million.



Pelle's move to the Chinese Super League to join Shandong Luneng will see the 30-year-old Italian become one of the highest paid players in the world, as he joins the likes of Hulk, Ramires and Jackson Martínez in the developing cash rich league.

Pelle signed for Southampton two years ago and was initially impressive for the Saints.

However, the former AZ Alkmaar and Parma striker's performances plateaued some what, as he struggled to recapture the form he had previously shown.

Despite being in his late twenties by the time he joined Southampton, Pelle made his international debut while at the south coast club, and has now ammassed 17 caps and scored 7 goals for the Azzurri.

Pelle was a regular starter for Antonio Conte's Italy at the recent UEFA European Championship in France, scoring twice -- including a decisive second goal against spain in the last 16 -- as Italy progressed to the quarter-finals of the tournament.

However, Pelle missed a penalty during the shootout defeat to Germany, as the Italians crashed out of the competition.

Pelle will now move to China where he will be among the highest paid players in the wealthy Chinese Super League, as the fees and wages on offer continue to attract some of the game's biggest names.