Interest in Dries Mertens from Chinese Super League giants Guangzhou Evergrande has resurfaced, reigniting transfer rumors that have swirled in past seasons. Jeetbuzz App Download reports that Evergrande is once again pursuing the prolific Belgian striker, hoping to land him with what could be the final major contract of his career. Mertens, now 31, has an impressive resume, having played for clubs like PSV Eindhoven, Anderlecht, and Gent before becoming a star at Napoli. Known for his high goal conversion rate, he netted 18 goals and recorded 6 assists in 38 Serie A appearances, followed by a stellar 28-goal season that placed him second in the league’s scoring charts.

Currently valued at €30 million (approximately 230 million RMB) by Transfermarkt, Mertens remains a key figure for the Belgian national team, with 68 caps and 13 goals to his name. He is currently preparing for the World Cup with Belgium, yet rumors of a move to Asia persist. The possibility of joining Guangzhou Evergrande hinges partly on whether Napoli head coach Maurizio Sarri remains at the helm. Fabio Cannavaro, the current Evergrande coach, has long admired Mertens and previously attempted to sign him during his tenure at Tianjin Quanjian.

However, a major obstacle lies off the pitch. In a candid interview, Mertens revealed, “I’ll never play in China because my wife doesn’t want to live there.” He added that while a move to China could have doubled his lifetime earnings, his wife, Kat, was not open to relocating. “I was happy at Napoli, and I still have two years left on my contract.” His remarks suggest that personal reasons, especially Kat’s reluctance to live in China, have been the primary roadblock.

Determined not to let that end the conversation, Guangzhou Evergrande has reportedly scheduled a private meeting with Kat in London. The objective is simple: convince her that living in China could be worthwhile, potentially opening the door to finalize a deal with Mertens. According to Jeetbuzz App Download, if Evergrande gains Kat’s approval and reaches a personal agreement with Mertens, they will then engage directly with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis to activate the striker’s release clause.

Despite Mertens’ current intention to stay in Napoli, he has not ruled out a move if an irresistible offer lands on the table. Evergrande’s interest is both strategic and sincere. With Cannavaro still keen to bring the Belgian forward to the CSL, the coming days may prove pivotal as the Chinese club pushes for one of their boldest transfers yet.