Former Brazil international and Shanghai SIPG midfielder Oscar is actively considering the opportunity to join Major League Soccer (MLS) teams. According to journalist Tom Bogert, the 32-year-old's contract with Shanghai SIPG expires this winter, adding a lot of suspense to his next stop. This season, Oscar has contributed 8 goals and 11 assists in 16 Super League games, and his performance is still eye-catching. His outstanding performance has undoubtedly caught the attention of the MLS team.
The official 2024 player salary guide released by the MLS shows that some of the top players in the league are paid very well. Inter Miami's Messi topped the list with a base salary of $12 million and a guaranteed compensation of $20.45 million, followed by Toronto FC's Insigne and Chicago Fire's Shaqiri with $7.5 million and $7.35 million, respectively. These data show that the MLS does have a special treatment and a generous salary policy for international stars.
Considering Oscar's current salary limit policy in the Chinese Super League, the annual salary cap of foreign aid is 3 million euros, which obviously makes it much less likely that he will stay in the Chinese Super League. The MLS's emphasis on international stars and high salaries make Oscar expected to receive an annual salary offer of more than twice the salary limit in the middle and super leagues. It's a prospect that appeals to former Brazilian and Chelsea superstars like Oscar.
However, Oscar's departure will undoubtedly be a huge loss to Chinese football. The Chinese Super League will lose its last superstar, and the spectacle of the game and the international influence of the league are bound to decline significantly, which will not only make fans regretful, but may also adversely affect the overall development of the league. Perhaps the Chinese Football Association should learn from the experience of the American Professional League, flexibly adjust the foreign aid policy, reserve a superstar position for each team, and avoid salary caps on such players, so as to improve the competitiveness and attractiveness of the league.
In the global football landscape, MLS is gradually becoming an important stage to attract top stars. As a well-known player who has played for the Brazilian national team and Chelsea, Oscar's addition will undoubtedly further enhance the level of competition and brand value of MLS. At the same time, it also reminds us that there is still a lot to improve and learn from Chinese football in attracting and retaining high-level foreign players. (Super League Commentary)