Ex-Chelsea star completes big-money transfer to Didier Drogba’s former club

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Besiktas striker Demba Ba has completed a permanent transfer to Shanghai Shenhua.

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The Senegal international had been linked with a move to Premier League, with West Bromwich Albion having been keen to sign the 30-year-old hitman [Daily Mail].

However, the Chinese heavyweights—in another demonstration of the wealth of one of the world’s emerging leagues—trumped the Baggies with a $15.7 million bid [BBC], leaving Tony Pulis to seek other offensive options.

According to Eurosport—and confirmed on the Shanghai side’s official website—Ba has completed a move to the Chinese Super League giants.

In moving to the Hongkou Football Stadium, Ba is following in the footsteps of one of his predecessors at Chelsea, Didier Drogba.

The Ivorian forward moved to the Chinese giants in 2012 after leaving Stamford Bridge, before returning to Europe with Galatasaray, and then returning to West London a year ago.

After beginning his career in France and Belgium, Ba moved to Hoffenheim in 2007, enjoying a four-year stint with the village club.

He then briefly starred for West Ham United before moving to Newcastle United in 2011.

His form at St James’ Park attracted interest from Chelsea, although he struggled to assert himself in the first team at Stamford Bridge, often featuring as a support act for the likes of Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto’o, before being forced out of the club by the arrival of Diego Costa.

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