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Odion Ighalo swaps relegated Changchun Yatai for Shanghai Shenhua

Odion Ighalo has returned to the Chinese Super League with Shanghai Shenhua following Changchun Yatai's relegation to League One.

The Super Eagles forward will reunite with his former Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores under whom he enjoyed an impressive goalscoring run in his debut Premier League season.

After notching 15 goals in 37 outings for the Hornets under Sanchez Flores in the 2015-16 campaign, the Nigerian was deemed surplus to requirements by Walter Mazzarri which fueled his move to China in January 2017.

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During his first two seasons in China, the former Granada talisman tallied 36 efforts in 55 league outings for the Changchun outfit.

He ended the 2018 season as the second top scorer in the Chinese topflight with 21 goals in 28 appearances but his impressive goal return could not save Chen Jingang's side from relegation.

During the January transfer window, Ighalo was keen on a return to English Premier League but he has now opted to join the Flower of Shanghai ahead of the 2019 Chinese Super League that begins on March 1.

In confirming the switch, the 29-year-old appreciated compatriot and former Shanghai Shenhua star Obafemi Martins for his advice.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thank you senior man for the advice you are a King 👑 @obagoal 🇨🇳🙏🏾

A post shared by Odion Jude Ighalo (@ighalojude) on

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