Dabao to set China transfer record

Young China international star Yu Dabao has joined newly-promoted Dalian Aerbin from Tianjin Teda for 2.35 million euros.

Titan Sports reported the fee for the 23-year-old former Benfica attacking midfielder which is a record for a local Chinese player moving from one Super League club to another.

Yu Dabao, who scored the winning goal in the 2011 Chinese FA Cup final, has been linked with a move away from Tianjin Teda throughout the off-season.

The China international almost joined big-spending champions Guangzhou Evergrande, but they pulled out of the race, paving the way for Aerbin’s move.

Yu Dabao had been left out of the Tianjin side for last weekend’s Chinese Super Cup loss to Guangzhou, as the move loomed likely.

The attacker, who also trialled with MLS club Dallas in early 2010, scored for China in last week’s 2-1 win over Kuwait.

Meanwhile, former Socceroo Mile Sterjovski is also set to join Aerbin from A-League club Perth Glory.