Chelsea manager Antonio Conte’s decision to use a 3-4-3 formation this season played a key part in Oscar’s departure.
Chelsea this morning announced that they have reached an agreement with Shanghai SIPG over the sale of Oscar.
The Brazilian’s move is set to earn Chelsea £60million with Conte expected to be given significant funds to reinvest in his squad during the January transfer window.
And the Italian manager will be on the look out for players capable of playing in the system he has employed with great success throughout the Blues’ 11-game unbeaten streak.
But Oscar, who often operates in a number 10 role, could not force his way into the Italian’s four-man midfield this term, which restricted the 25- year-old’s game time and effectively signalled his impending departure.
A Chelsea statement confirming Oscar’s switch to the Far East read: “Conte’s arrival in the summer led to a deeper role for Oscar at the beginning of the campaign.
“But the switch to a 3-4-3 formation in October saw opportunities limited, and he now heads to Shanghai to link up with former Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas.”
Chinese Super League clubs have launched a huge recruitment drive in recent years, with their focus on bringing established European players to their shores to boost the division’s profile.
Oscar’s arrival is expected to smash the Asian transfer record for the fifth time this year while Argentina striker Carlos Tevez is also reported to be on the brink of a move to Shanghai Shenhua.
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