OPINION
Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle should make the most of the reported interest in him from the Chinese Super League and say yes to a move abroad.
A surprising report from the Sunday People [print edition, September 9] claims that Gayle is a transfer target for a number of Chinese clubs.
The newspaper reports that the 5’8″ [Source: Transfermarkt] 28-year-old, currently on loan from the Magpies at West Brom, could be set to earn around £200,000-per-week if he decides to swap Tyneside for Asia – and he would be crazy to turn that kind of money down.
The Englishman must think about his long-term financial future and that of his family. He will never again get the opportunity to earn the kind of money that would be on offer in China, and so he should say yes while he can.
Some supporters may balk at a man who is on a reported £40,000-per-week at St James’ Park [Source: Spotrac] chasing a bigger pay cheque, but a move to China could secure Gayle’s family’s future for the rest of their lives.
If you look at it from a sporting point of view, yes the standard of football will be far below what he is currently experiencing in the Championship, but when you examine Gayle’s career how much more can he really achieve?
With respect, he has found his level already. He is a very good Championship striker and a decent Premier League one. However, he is unlikely to ever receive an England call-up or play for a top team – frankly if he ever plays European football it will be a surprise.
In China he will be a goal machine, and he will be adored by supporters. He will be away from the intensity of English football, and he will be part of a league that is growing all the time.
Ultimately there are 200,000 reasons a week for Gayle to move to China, and money does indeed talk. He is earning an excellent living at the moment, but his quality of life could go up a significant amount if he agrees to a move.
Apart from pure competitive spirit, which counts for a lot for some players and next to nothing for others, there really is no reason for Gayle to stay in England.
With a move to China his pay packet goes up by five times, who would say no to that? A footballers career is a short one, and Gayle must make the most of it while he can.
