CSL transfer window: Is the era of big-spending already over?

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‍The Chinese Super League (CSL) summer transfer window closes on Friday.

After hundreds of millions of dollars were spent on some of the world's best players in recent years, are new regulations choking spending power, or are clubs realizing that marquee signings are not necessarily the way forward?

After A-listers Oscar, Tevez and Lavezzi left their clubs for China in 2016, Europe's top teams could be forgiven for looking ahead to the CSL summer transfer window in fear.

The 2016/17 winter transfer window saw clubs fork out more than 420 million US dollars on players, with 125 million alone spent by Shanghai SIPG on Brazilians Hulk and Oscar.

With two days until transfer deadline day on July 14, the total spend for this window has been just over 12.4 million pounds (just under 16 million US dollars), according to transfermarkt.com.

The biggest signing so far? 10.2 million pounds (13.1 million US dollars) for 31-year-old Colombian Adrian Ramos, from Borussia Dortmund.

Rumors that stars like Diego Costa and Wayne Rooney were on their way to the CSL have failed to materialize.

Transfer rumors surrounding a move for Diego Costa to the CSL have failed to materialize./VCG Photo

So what's behind the spending slump? The likely culprit is the 100 percent signing tax slapped on foreign player purchases last month by the Chinese Football Association (CFA), effectively doubling transfer fees for clubs.

Preventing 'irrational investment'

That move came after the CFA brought in player cap rules in January, decreeing that only three foreign players plus one Asian confederation player could be named in a match squad. A spokesperson for China's general administration of sport said authorities would move to prevent "irrational investment."

While the regulations have clearly had an effect on clubs' transfer activity, the hundreds of millions of dollars spent have had mixed results as far as improving the quality of the league is concerned.

While average attendances since 2013 have grown by around 6,000, this current season has seen spectator numbers down compared to last year, with fans apparently struggling to warm to the stars on the pitch.

Disappointing performances

That may have something to do with disappointing performances and several controversies.

After Shanghai Shenhua signed Carlos Tevez in January on a reported 615,000 pounds-a-week (790,000 US dollars) contract, he has only played eight games for the club, scoring twice. Statistically, Shenhua play better when Tevez is not on the pitch, according to ESPN.

Oscar, who moved to Shanghai SIPG from Chelsea for 51 million pounds (over 65 million US dollars) has scored just one league goal this season, and is currently serving an eight-match suspension for his role in an ugly brawl in a game against Guangzhou R&F.

Ezequiel Lavezzi may have a decent return in terms of assists and goals this season (six goals, 11 assists in 13 matches played), but his actions off the pitch have made headlines for all the wrong reasons. In May he was forced to apologize after accusations of racism, when he was pictured making a slant-eye posed in promotional photos for his club Hebei Fortune.

Looking at the top scorers in recent seasons, some foreign players have clearly had an impact on the CSL, but not necessarily the world-famous stars.

Unsung hero: Israeli striker Eran Zahavi is the CSL top scorer so far this season. /VCG Photo

Last season's top scorer was Brazilian Ricardo Goulart with 19 goals for Guangzhou Evergrande, while the man leading the charts this season is relatively unknown Israeli striker Eran Zahavi, with a return of 14 goals in 16 games.

The big-money signings have struggled to keep up with these players, suggesting Chinese clubs should in future look to spend more wisely on scouting under-the-radar players rather than opting for big names.

Disillusioned stars looking for a way out

Perhaps attracted by the idea of developing football in China or by the incredible money on offer, many of the CSL marquee signings are already reportedly disillusioned.

While Argentinian media is rife with rumors that Carlos Tevez is struggling to settle in Shanghai, ESPN reports that Brazilian midfielder Paulinho is keen on a move to Barcelona, and that Bayern Munich have made an approach for Tianjin Quanjian winger Alex Witsel, who only moved to China in January for 17 million pounds (21.8 million US dollars).

On the way out? Paulinho is reportedly keen on a move to Barcelona. /VCG Photo

While the big-spending love affair between the CSL and football's biggest stars may be over for now, this is the opportunity for young Chinese players to step up to the plate to ensure the CSL continues to support China's long term goal of becoming a footballing power in the next few decades.

The CFA has tripled spending on youth football this year, according to the Global Times, and clubs – whether they like it or not – are going to have to follow suit and look at the young domestic talent coming through.