A poster of Zhang Chenglin. [Photo: 163.com]

Fullback Zhang Chenglin has broken a record in the Chinese Super League, as the first domestic footballer whose transfer fee may surpass 100 million yuan (about 14.5 million USD).

Guangzhou Evergrande football club announced the news on Tuesday, November 29, saying Zhang will join their team for the next season, by beating competitors such as Shanghai SIPG, Shanghai Shenhua, and Tianjin Quanjian, according to thepaper's report.

Born in 1987, the nearly 30-year-old footballer is not even playing for the national team. Though his professional skills have reached top levels in China compared to other contemporary domestic fullbacks, many people are still questioning whether he is worth such a staggering transfer fee.

A manager with Guangzhou Evergrande told reporters that they have been seeking to collaborate with Zhang Chenglin since 2012, and this year, with help and successful negotiations with his former club in Beijing, they can finally sign him.

Currently major defense players on the team, including Zhang Linpeng, Liu Jian and Rong Hao, are suffering from injuries, so the manager feels an experienced and talented fullback like Zhang Chenglin is crucial to the team.

Over the past two years, the price of Chinese footballers' transfer fees has surged due to the scarcity of talent resources on the domestic market.

The statistics provided by the authoritative German website Transfer Market, indicate that four Chinese footballers appeared in the top ten most expensive players lists worldwide, for the winter period of 2016.

Commentators pointed out that China has absorbed considerable social capital in supporting the development of football - however, the achievement is far below public expectations. This dilemma should be solved through strengthened reforms.

Zhang Chenglin served for the Guizhou Renhe football club in 2012, and made a total of 27 appearances in all competitions during the season.

He helped the team win the China football association super league championship of 2012, and claim the runners up position at the China FA Cup Championship in 2012 and 2013 respectively.