Gervinho completes move to China’s Hebei China Fortune
Ivorian forward Gervinho has completed a surprise transfer to Hebei China Fortune, signing a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Chinese Super League newcomers.
The 28-year-old leaves AS Roma after two and a half seasons in Italy, where he arrived in June 2013 from Arsenal. His move to Hebei is worth around €16m, while his reported annual salary will range between €8m and €10m.
Gervinho had been close to leaving Roma last summer, when he agreed terms with Emirati side Al Jazira, only for the transfer to collapse at the final stages. Six months later, his departure from Serie A is now confirmed.
Hebei China Fortune, promoted to the top flight last year, have made no secret of their ambitions to establish themselves among the league’s rising powers. Backed by heavy investment, the club has moved quickly to secure Gervinho, who will bring both international experience and attacking flair to the squad.
The winger enjoyed some strong performances with Roma, particularly under former coach Rudi Garcia, with whom he previously worked at Lille. However, his role at the Italian club had diminished in recent months, paving the way for his departure.
Gervinho, who has earned more than 70 caps for Ivory Coast, is the latest high-profile African star to head to China, following in the footsteps of compatriot Didier Drogba and Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o, both of whom had spells in the country.
With this transfer, Hebei China Fortune hope to boost their profile and strengthen their chances of survival in the Chinese Super League. For Gervinho, it marks the beginning of a lucrative new chapter in his career, far from the spotlight of Europe’s elite leagues.
