Former Hibernian striker Derek Riordan has surprisingly joined Chinese Super League side Shaanxi Chanba.
Riordan flew out to China to hold talks with Shaanxi Chanba, and has now agreed a two-year deal with the Chinese side after passing a medical. It is reported that Riordan will quadruple the wage he was on at Hibs.
Riordan’s agent, Jim McArthur, confirmed Riordan’s transfer: “Derek has signed a two-year deal with Chanba,” McArthur told skysports.com. “He was very impressed with the club when he saw the set-up and the facilities. He is looking forward to the experience of playing in China and it is an exciting time for him.”
Despite interest from English club Crystal Palace and MLS side Houston Dynamo, Riordan opted for a move to the Far East, with many seeing it as a move mainly for the money on offer, given Shaanxi Chanba’s lowly status in the Chinese Super League last season – a lowly tenth.