Former Chelsea star Oscar's China move is an interesting case study, especially for the relatively young players mulling over lucrative Saudi Arabia offers.

In 2017, the then 25-year-old signed for Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG for a fee of £60million. 

Though he had aspirations to one day return to Europe, six years later he remains in China.

With more high-profile players set to move to Saudi Arabia this summer, we take a look at the circumstances around the Oscar transfer and how his career has panned out. 

Shanghai surprise

Oscar fell out of favour during the fifth season of his spell at Stamford Bridge when Antonio Conte delivered the title to Chelsea in 2016-17. 

Midway through that campaign, the Brazil international was expected to make a January transfer, with major European clubs such as Atletico Madrid and Juventus interested. 

But he shocked the world by moving to China instead, signing a four-year contract that saw him paid £400,000 a week. 

Oscar became one of the best-paid players on the planet. In 2019, he extended his deal until 2024, which saw his weekly wage rise to well over £500,000. 

Now 31, he remains at the club — renamed Shanghai Port — where he has won one Chinese Super League title and the FA Super Cup. 

European return

Shortly after making the surprise transfer, Oscar spoke honestly about his motivations. 

He said: "Every football player, or every person who works, wants to earn money to help their families. I came from a social background in Brazil that is very poor. 

"We didn't have anything. This is the fruit of my work and when I earn this, it is because I conquered it. 

"I hope that in two or three years' time, or when my contract here ends and I have helped the team to win titles, I could go back to a big team in Europe." 

Though there was interest from Barcelona at one stage, a move never materialised. Earlier this year, Oscar revealed that he still holds hope. 

He said: "As I left Europe at the age of 25, I always had an offer to return. But nothing that got too close or that I really put my foot down to go back to. 

"As I played for Chelsea for five years, I fulfilled my dream of playing for a big club in Europe. 

"If I could go back to the Premier League, that would be really cool. I also like Italy, I have an Italian passport." 

Oscar story

With players such as 26-year-old Ruben Neves receiving criticism for moving to Saudi Arabia while still at the peak of their powers, Oscar's story is both illuminating and cautionary. 

Though any footballer that plays in one of Europe's top leagues is rich, the money that was once on offer from China and is now available in Saudi Arabia is on a different level. 

It would be difficult for anyone to turn down figures that would transform the lives of their entire family and future generations, especially if they once faced financial struggles. 

Yet Oscar clearly had a return to Europe in mind and still yearns for a move back to the big time. One hopes that the Saudi pioneers, will not have the same regrets.