On Tuesday morning Kenyan international Michael Olunga signed for Chinese outfit Guizhou Zhicheng.
Olunga who was previously linked with Russian giants, CSKA Moscow spent last season at Swedish outfit, Djurgårdens IF where he finished as the club’s joint top scorer with 12 goals after switching from Kenyan giants, Gor Mahia where he scored 19 incredible goals.
Olunga who's widely tipped as the next Dennis Oliech, the man who is the nation's all time top scorer is believed to have racked in millions after his Sh450Million switch to the newly promoted Chinese outfit in the Chinese Super League.
However, his transfer was met with criticism and praise unlike how Kenyans received the news of Victor Wanyama's multi-billion transfer deal from Celtic to Southampton and from England's south coast to giants, Tottenham. The news was met with utmost euphoria and ecstasy, with many praising his football growth and the rare opportunity of having to be able to watch Kenya's best talent in the EPL as well as the Champions League, week in week out.
But why so much farce surrounding Olunga's move to the East?
Before his transfer, the towering striker who openly made it clear he would love to play for Arsenal in the future, was previously linked with Russian giants, CSKA Moscow as well as Galatasaray two of Europe's biggest teams, but instead he chose big money spending Chinese league who have since snatched Obi Mikel and Oscar from Chelsea in the last few months.
According to many Kenyans, at 24, Olunga had a bright footballing future in Europe rather than China where most of footballers switch to after their hey days are over, accusing him of 'greed' for money. Really?
However, some think he made the right decision including former Harambee Stars player and coach, and his mentor Ghost Mulee who believes he deserved his big money move because he worked for it and at the end of the day money is all that matters.
Below are reactions from Kenyans regarding Olunga's transfer.
Guys complaining that Michael Olunga has gone to china will move to Mandera for a 20k increase in salo. - Hillary Omondi
Ayaa...Michael Olunga ...Chinese club?..bt io pesa ni mingi bana....akipata mshahara ya 3 months anakuja kenya kununua nyumba westy - Kenneth
Am a disappointed man. But all the best my ninja - Mchanganuzi Rayoh
He should have been patient he would have made it to premier league - Kipkosgei Korir
Kwisha money vs career obvious with African and south American footballers end of his game- Lawi Di Malaho