Espanyol officially signs Chinese striker Wu Lei

Spanish La Liga club Espanyol on Monday confirmed they have signed Chinese striker Wu Lei from Shanghai SIPG of the Chinese Super League (CSL).

Wu is reported to have signed a deal until 2022.

"I'm very happy with great expectations, because this is a dream coming true. Since I won the Chinese Super League title with SIPG, I was thinking this is time for me to go out and experience," Wu said.

Chinese striker Wu Lei during the Asian Cup last 16 game against Thailand in Al Ain, the United Arab Emirates on Jan 20, 2019. [Photo: IC]

The Espanyol website writes that the club had "been following Wu Lei's progress for a time," and that the 27-year-old had also "attracted the interest of many Premier League clubs, but decided to accept" the offer from Espanyol.

"I'm at my best age and become more mature in various aspects. Actually some European clubs have contacted me this winter, including some Champions League teams. But for me, being able to enter the line-up is the most import thing," Wu said.

27-year-old Wu will become the second Chinese player to feature in La Liga following Zhang Chengdong, who played briefly for Rayo Vallecano in the 2015-16 season.

Wu was the top domestic scorer for five straight seasons in the Chinese Super League.

The Shanghai SIPG forward scored twice at the Asian Cup this month but suffered shoulder injury at the tournament.

He will receive treatment in Europe, and this is expected to postpone his debut for Espanyol until at least March.

The Barcelona-based club is currently 15th in the La Liga standings with 24 points from 21 matches.

Wu will wear the number 24 shirt and will be presented to the fans and press in the coming days.