Aubameyang doesn’t seem to be coming after all, but Zlatan might be

With the transfer window now open, several rumours are floating around the web. We give you the latest rumours around the CSL here.

Evergrande denies Aubameyang links

Last season’s CSL winners Guangzhou Evergrande have denied all claims linking them with Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and consider taking action against the media.

The rumours gained traction in the last week with fees reported to be up towards €72 million, which would be a record-breaking fee in Chinese football after Oscar’s €60 million transfer to Shanghai SIPG.

Dortmund themselves rejected the rumours earlier and now Evergrande has done the same.

“The report was already rejected by the relevant German club when they were interviewed by their own media,” the club said in a statement. “Our club always strictly follow the rules of the CFA of signing players and reserve the rights for legal action against those media”.

One in and one out at Guoan

Although nothing has been confirmed yet it looks highly likely that Villarreal and DR Congo striker Cedric Bakambu is on his way to Beijing Guoan. Villarreal head coach Javier Calleja revealed that Guoan were willing to match the Congolese’s release clause of €40 million.

Bakambu himself told Spanish newspaper AS that a deal was imminent. “It’s all closed, almost everything has been done. Now I’m waiting for the two clubs to resolve things and that’ll be it.”

One thing that is confirmed however is a department. But not one of a player. Guoan assistant manager Jim McGuiness has left the club due to  “personal family reasons”. McGuinness joined Roger Schmidt in the summer but has now had to cut his employment short. McGuinness thanked the club in a statement on his Twitter account and hinted at trying to pursue a career in Europe.

“I would like to thank the owner of the club Mr Joe, the G.M. Mr Li Ming, and everyone associated with the Club,” he wrote.

“The respect and hospitality that I have received since I arrived in Beijing has been fantastic.

“Everyday working at the club has been thoroughly enjoyable.”

Zlatan on his way?

With the Aubameyang deal seemingly never even a possibility, rumours have now started circling around Manchester United star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Ibra is out of contract at the end of the season but United could still look to cash in on him after interest from MLS and CSL clubs. The Swede is currently out injured but it is reported that should not be a problem if a deal was to be struck.

CSL delivers new deal with DHL

Courier service DHL have renewed their partnership with the CSL from 2018 to 2020. The company will retain pitchside and in-venue branding rights. DHL has been a partner of the CSL since 2014.

Vice president of the Chinese Football Association Yu Hongchen said:  “We are pursuing the same brand spirit with DHL, which is speed, passion and teamwork. The partnership with a globally-respected company like DHL will definitely help CSL to sustain its healthy growth momentum.”