CSL not shy about opening vault

Chinese league has richest spenders in world soccer

The cash splash triggered by Chinese soccer clubs in their rush to sign elite foreign talent is making global headlines - but more needs to be done to rejuvenate the game's domestic profile.

While international superstars like Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo prepare to clash in the knockoff stage of Europe's Champions League, the Chinese Super League season will be competing for a share of the spotlight when the new campaign kicks off on Friday with Guangzhou R&F hosting Hebei China Fortune.

Inspired by President Xi Jinping's vision of transforming China into a global soccer power, CSL clubs spent a staggering 334 million euros ($363 million) during the recent transfer window, luring a veritable foreign legion of players to ply their trade in China.

That was the highest expenditure of all leagues worldwide, according to German website Transfermarkt.

Former Chelsea midfielder Ramires of Brazil, Argentine international Ezequiel Lavezzi, ex-Atletico Madrid striker Jackson Martinez and Brazilian attacking midfielder Alex Teixeira are among the high-profile foreigners joining CSL in their prime. Teixeira cost Jiangsu Suning a CSL record 50 million euros from Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk.

One year ago the State Council, China's Cabinet, issued a national reform plan aimed at resuscitating the game's sputtering image through professional league development and youth promotion.

That initiative has helped rebrand the CSL as an appealing destination for foreigner players - particularly from South America - anxious to earn lucrative paychecks while experiencing Chinese culture.

Ramires, who cost Jiangsu Suning 28 million euros, said both the financial windfall and the CSL's improving level of competition influenced his decision.