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Lunar New Year Cup
SportHong Kong

Is Marouane Fellaini set to make his Shandong Luneng debut in Hong Kong? Lunar New Year Cup organiser confident former Manchester United man could star

  • Belgium international due to arrive Guangzhou today to join up with new club
  • The Chinese Super League side will appear at the Lunar New Year Cup along with Sagan Tosu, Auckland City and a host select

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Shandong Luneng’s Marouane Fellaini could be line to make his debut in Hong Kong. Photo: Reuters
Chan Kin-wa
Marouane Fellaini could play his first game in Hong Kong following his transfer from Manchester United when the Lunar New Year Cup kicks off next week.
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The Belgium international is due to arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun international airport on Friday afternoon for his new club Shandong Luneng, one of the three overseas teams in the tournament.

“We are processing all the required documents for Fellaini to play here,” said Steven Lo Kit-sing, organiser of the event, which also features Fernando Torres’ J1 League side Sagan Tosu, New Zealand Premiership leaders Auckland City and a home select XI featuring mostly Pegasus players.
Event organiser Steven Lo Kit-sing (left) at a media conference for this year’s Lunar New Year Cup. Photo: Chan Kin-wa
Event organiser Steven Lo Kit-sing (left) at a media conference for this year’s Lunar New Year Cup. Photo: Chan Kin-wa

“It will definitely be good news for the fans if he can play, but in the end it’s still up to Luneng to decide if they will field Fellaini after his arrival. We are doing all the procedures to facilitate his appearance in Hong Kong.”

ESPN reported that Fellaini has agreed a three-year contract worth around £12.2 million (US$16 million, HK$125.4 million) a year to move to Shandong, with United expected to receive around £10.5 million as a transfer fee.

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The 31-year-old signed a new two-year deal at Old Trafford in the summer, but has found opportunities limited under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Luneng, who finished third in the Chinese Super League last season, have now begun their pre-season training in Guangdong and are due to arrive in Hong Kong on Sunday.

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