With the news of Wu Lei joining the bandwagon of the Spanish La Liga giants Espanyol, CGTN Sports Scene spoke to China's soccer expert Yan Qiang, who shared his thoughts on the move and how important it could be for Chinese soccer.

"It's a very encouraging piece of news for soccer in China," Yan said.

"We haven't witnessed any successful transfer of any top Chinese player playing in European soccer. It could not only be a good thing for the player himself, but also for Team China to experience this high standard of soccer in Europe."

"But there is a question mark that still remains to see which is when he will be playing his first match and whether he could score his first goal in the La Liga," Yan added.

"Because Wu Lei has to go to Germany to undergo a shoulder surgery and it is reported that it might take him about two to three months to recover from that injury after the surgery," he mentioned.

"After that, I guess it might take another month to prepare for his new adventure. Therefore, it seems that time is really short for him to make his debut for Espanyol in this season of La Liga."

As far as his potential to do well in Spain is concerned, the soccer pundit believed, "I think it is the right time for him to play there as he is 27 years old and has reached the peak of his playing career."

"As far as playing characteristics are concerned, he is very quick and clinical in front of goal. He is also imaginative with his personal attacking ways. In my understanding of Spanish La Liga soccer, it's not that physically demanding as the English Premier League or German Bundesliga. It fits for more those individual players who possess great technique and speed. The pace of the player will always be a great skill in Spanish or European soccer."