Béni Nkololo has completed a move to Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan, becoming the latest Congolese forward to join the club after leaving Greek outfit Panetolikos.
The 28-year-old has signed a three-year deal that will keep him in Beijing until 2029, although neither club has disclosed the transfer fee involved.
The move marks a significant step in Nkololo’s career as he heads to Asia after spells in European football and the Middle East.
For the Congolese attacker, the transfer represents an opportunity to relaunch his career in a new environment. Chinese football, once a major destination for high-profile foreign players, has undergone a period of adjustment in recent seasons.
Following heavy spending and rising transfer fees, authorities introduced financial restrictions to curb excesses, leading to the departure of many overseas players and creating more space for domestic talent alongside carefully selected foreign signings.
Nkololo arrives in China after a short and challenging spell in Greece. He joined Panetolikos at the start of the current season but struggled to fully settle.
Across all competitions, he made 16 appearances, scoring four goals and providing one assist, contributions that were not enough to secure a long-term future at the club.
The forward, who was developed at Brest in France, has built a career that has taken him across several European leagues.
His previous experience includes a notable period at CFR Cluj in Romania, where he gained exposure to continental competition and further developed his attacking profile.
Known for his mobility and ability to operate across the front line, Nkololo will now be expected to adapt quickly to the demands of the Chinese Super League.
His arrival at Beijing Guoan inevitably draws comparisons with fellow Congolese striker Cédric Bakambu, who enjoyed a successful four-year spell at the club.
Bakambu became one of the most expensive African players of his time, with a transfer fee reported to be close to €70 million including bonuses, and left a lasting impression during his stay in China.
While Nkololo faces a different context, with tighter financial controls and a changing league landscape, he has secured a relatively long contract that offers time to establish himself.
The challenge now will be to make an immediate impact and justify the club’s confidence as he begins a new chapter in his career.
