Soccer

Brazilian Hulk joins Shanghai SIPG in record deal

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s cash-flush team spend €55.8 million for striker’s services

Brazil’s Hulk poses for photos with a nurse during a medical examination at a hospital in Shanghai. Photograph: Getty Images
Brazil’s Hulk poses for photos with a nurse during a medical examination at a hospital in Shanghai. Photograph: Getty Images
Thu Jun 30 2016 - 13:06

Zenit St Petersburg forward Hulk has joined Shanghai SIPG for a record €55.8 million, the Russian club said on Thursday.

“Zenit and Shanghai SIPG have come to an agreement regarding the transfer of the Brazilian forward. Compensation for the player will total €55.8 million euros and there will be add-ons,” Zenit said in a statement on their website.

The transfer deal is the biggest in Russian football history.

The 29-year-old Hulk, who has won 46 caps for Brazil and scored 11 goals, joined Zenit from Porto in 2012 for €40 million euros. He scored 56 goals for Zenit in 97 Russian Premier League matches and was the league’s top scorer in the 2014-15 season with 15 goals.

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Zenit finished third last season. The club missed out on qualification for the Champions League and will play in the Europa League.

Shanghai SIPG, fourth in the Chinese Super League, are coached by the former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.