After seven years in China, one former Premier League star could be set to continue his career in the United States, with his contract with his current employers due to expire
Former Chelsea star Oscar could be set for a move to MLS after seven years earning astronomical money in the Chinese Super League.
The 48-time Brazilian international excelled during his five seasons in the Premier League with the Blues, with the attacking midfielder's decision to depart in 2017 having left fans stunned. After 21 goals in 131 outings at Stamford Bridge, he headed for Shanghai for a fee of PS60million, with an annual salary of PS20.8m on offer.
Settling into life in China following his stunning transfer in 2017, Oscar scored 68 times in 220 appearances - including 8 goals and 14 assists in 16 games this term. With is contract set to run its course this winter, the ex-Chelsea man could be set to uproot his life to another continent once again for his next move.
According to the Athletic, the 32-year-old has been touted to MLS clubs this summer, with the attacking midfielder potentially set to continue his career stateside. The journalist did not specify a club as a frontrunner to secure a deal but he did rule out Atlanta United, with their sights set on a younger replacement for Europe-bound Argentine Thiago Almada.
Last year, Oscar confirmed that his representatives had been locked in talks with Barcelona over a potential move - with talks seemingly having broken down as he remained in China. Speaking to TNT Sports, the playmaker confirmed: "Barcelona reached out to my agent to know about this possibility, they knew football in China will stop until March. So maybe, but Barca is facing a difficult time now."
Clubs stateside will likely face significant competition for the Brazilian's signature, with former club Internacional among those reportedly interested in his services. Eduardo Coudet, manager of the Porto Alegre outfit, admitted in March that the side's recruitment chiefs are keeping tabs on the midfielder's availability.
He said to UOL: "Our only goal, the player we're going to try to bring forward, is Oscar. I want to bring Oscar. If you want to know, I'm already bothering him, I've already spoken to his agent, who is the same as Thiago Maia's. He can't stand me anymore. I want Oscar. They (management) ask me not to talk, but sometimes I talk too much."
Speaking last March, Oscar confessed to talkSPORT that he had been dreaming of a return to the Premier League, saying: "Of course, it's a dream to come back to Chelsea because everyone knows the passion that I have for this club. "It's the same passion I have for Shanghai. It's the two clubs I have played at for a long period.
"I have a lot of good memories at Chelsea and I also have a lot of good memories of Shanghai. But I'm still here and I still have dreams to play for this team."