Soccer Clubs Become China's New Goal

(Beijing) – Chinese companies and investors, from big names like Dalian Wanda Group to smaller players, have been rushing into Europe to buy elite soccer clubs since early 2015, spurred by Beijing's ambition to transform the country into a soccer powerhouse.

According to data compiled by Caixin, Chinese investors have spent at least 1.8 billion euros (US$ 2 billion) to acquire 15 soccer teams in six countries. Here is a detailed look at which Chinese companies bought the teams, how much they paid, where the teams are located, and the financial performance of the teams before the acquisitions.