Changchun Yatai of China striker, Odion Jude Ighalo has been given another big reason to leave in January, while Tianjin Teda midfielder, John Mikel Obi may possibly follow suit, due to new rules restricting the salaries they can earn at their respective clubs.
Goalball understands that Ighalo is already considering his future with Yatai, following their relegation last season, while Mikel has been caught up in a series of injuries that put his future in doubt at Tianjin.
Ighalo and Mikel may now need to act fast and move on, as clubs in the Chinese Super League will be required to stick to a new set of regulations from next season, including a player salary cap.
China Football Association has taken different steps in recent years to discourage profligacy by top-flight clubs, who have spent huge sums to entice high-profile overseas players and coaches to the country.
As part of the new regulations, the CFA would introduce limits on cash injections for clubs, and player bonuses, transfer fees and salaries.
The rules will oblige clubs to adhere to unified accounting and player contract standards, while the salary cap will set limits on the number of earnings they can spend on player fee.
By the 2019 season, every domestic player must sign labour contracts and single-game bonus limits will be introduced, with the amounts announced at the beginning of each season.
This article was most recently revised and updated 5 years ago
