The bizarre Chinese football regulation that triggered Aaron Mooy's surprise switch from Sussex to Shanghai

One of the more intriguing moves at Brighton during the summer international transfer windows was Aaron Mooy's switch to Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai SIPG FC.
Aaron Mooy made a surprise move to China during the transfer windowAaron Mooy made a surprise move to China during the transfer window
Aaron Mooy made a surprise move to China during the transfer window

Mooy was regular starter for Albion last season and a key figure in Graham Potter's midfield as the club broke their record points tally in the English top flight.

The Australian international had arrived at Brighton on an initial loan from Huddersfield but then agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee last January.

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His fine form and experience was crucial as Brighton successfully maintained their Premier League status for a fourth consecutive season.

Many expected Mooy to be an integral part of Potter's plans once again this campaign but when the opportunity to sign for Shanghai arrived, the former Huddersfield man was keen to go.

Mooy's new club are big spenders in China and it has been reported they paid almost £14m to secure the services of the 30-year-old Socceroo from Brighton.

Top quality Australian players are a valuable assets in the Chinese Super League.

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Most major leagues in Asia allow top tier clubs to sign a maximum of five foreign players. One spot reserved for a player from an Asian Football Confederation nation, which, crucially for Mooy, also includes Australia.

This is known as the "four plus one rule," although only "three plus one" are allowed to play simultaneously.

Former Stoke and West Ham striker Marko Arnautović and ex-Chelsea and Brazilian international Oscar also play for the Red Eagles.

Brazilian forwards Hulk and Ricardo Lopes complete the line-up of foreign players at Shanghai, who are coached by former Porto and Fenerbahçe boss Vítor Pereira.

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Mooy seems to have adapted well to life in China. He marked his debut and his 30th birthday by coming on as a substitute and scoring the decisive goal as Shanghai beat Wuhan Zali 2-1 last month.

“I have only just arrived so my physical condition is not what it could be,” Mooy told Chinese television after that game.

“The coach asked me before kick-off if I could play some part in the game and of course I was happy to do so.”

His fitness improved enough to play a full 90 minutes during last week's crucial 1-0 win against second placed Beijing Sinobo, which keeps Mooy and Shanghai top of Group B.

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"Aaron wanted to play football in China and it was a great opportunity for him and his family," said Brighton and Hove Albion technical director Dan Ashworth.

"That was always an agreement that we had with Aaron, that should something come up in China, then we would look into it and it was a good deal for us.

"It's a bit closer to home and there's a rule and regulation that Chinese football has restrictions on the number of foreign player and Australians are actually welcome there and sought after in China so it was a good opportunity for him and his family.

"At this stage of his career it was something he wanted to explore."