5 CSL players who could still cut it in Europe's best leagues

Over the last two seasons, a number of international capped players from different European countries and leagues have made the big money move to the Chinese Super League.

With a chunk of the exports being South American, a few big name European players have also sought a move to be a part of the most rapidly rising football market on the planet.

A host of top experienced managers have also made their way to China seeking a large payday while imparting their knowledge and expertise helping the football development in the country.

However, most of the player recruits from big European teams could still ply their trade amongst the best footballers, in the best leagues around Europe.

Paulinho's big money move to Barcelona, before the start of this season, is the most recent example of a player swapping China for a big club in Europe, post a short stint with a CSL club.

We take a look at five more players, who like Paulinho, could fancy a move back to Europe in the near future and still play well.

#5 Hulk

Former Porto and Zenit St Petersberg player, Hulk made his move to Shanghai SIPG from the Russian club for an estimated €56 million, on a four-year contract.

The Brazilian international is a powerhouse with tremendous ability on the ball who can play on the wing as well as lead the line.

Having played and won titles and individual accolades in Portugal, Russia and Japan before moving to Europe as a youngster, Hulk's current stint in China under manager Andre Villas-Boas has not been fruitful.

Although the club did compete for the CSL title, Shanghai SIPG fell short.

The 31-year-old's contract runs out only in June 2020, but the ambitious Brazilian could be back playing in a European team before that if the club doesn't manage to succeed.

#4 Ezequiel Lavezzi

The Argentinian forward, Ezequiel Lavezzi has played and won trophies in Italy and France with Napoli and PSG respectively.

In what was considered a strange move in February 2016, the 32-year-old international joined CSL outfit Hebbi China Fortune for a reported €5 million move from PSG.

Having won four consecutive league titles with PSG, Lavezzi and his club managed only a seventh spot finish in the CSL, during his first season in China, under former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini.

With only a couple of months remaining on his contract expiring at the end of this year, Lavezzi's short stint in Asia could come to an end, as the former PSG forward will be vying for a place in his country's World Cup squad, provided Argentina qualify.

A move to Europe would suit the Argentinian as a host of clubs would line up to sign the influential attacking player.

#3 Ramires

Ramires is a likely candidate to leave the CSL

Former Chelsea midfielder Ramires shocked the footballing world in 2016, as he announced his €25 million move to Jiangsu Suning.

The confusion surrounding the player's move was that he had signed a four-year extension with Chelsea days earlier, only to rip the agreement and move to China.

Under former England manager, Fabio Capello Jiangsu Suning finished runners-up to eventual champions Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao.

The Brazilian has quickly adapted to the league and surrounding as his side continue their quest to be crowned CSL champions.

The 30-year-old's contract with the CSL club comes to an end in Dec 2019 and with a history of not honouring contracts, Ramires could add great value playing for a big European side in the near future.

#2 Oscar

Move back to Europe on the radar for Oscar?

Brazilian and former Chelsea creative player, Oscar's move to Shanghai SIPG for a reported €60 million in December last year caused an uproar from the footballing community lamenting top players seeking greener pastures with a move to the growing Chinese League.

A skilful, attacking playmaker, Oscar has adapted to the Chinese League well notching nine goals in 17 games. Shanghai SIPG sit six points off leaders Guangzhou with five games to go.

Oscar's contract with the CSL club ends in Dec 2020, but the 26-year-old Brazilian could be on the move much earlier than 2020.

With a host of clubs in Europe who would welcome the Brazilian into their side, Oscar's choices are plenty should he fancy a move back to Europe.

#1 Axel Witsel

Witsel could be primed for a move back to Europe

The 28-year-old Belgian holding midfielder rejected Juventus and moved to the CSL team Tianjin Quanjian earlier this year.

Having been promoted to the CSL under former Italian World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, Tianjin Quanjian's dramatic rise up the football ranks in China has been nothing short of remarkable.

The club currently sit in fourth place, just a point off Hebei China Fortune, with five games to go in the 2017 CSL.

With a contract till Dec 2019, Witsel's addition to the squad has paid dividends, as the club has edged towards an Asian Champions League spot.

However, the player might have plans for himself away from the club as the Belgian could move back to Europe, with a number of teams interested in acquiring his services.

Edited by Amit Mishra