Paul Pogba of France runs with the ball during the UEFA EURO 2016 semi final match between Germany and France on July 7, 2016 in Marseille, France. Alexander Hassenstein | Getty Images

Manchester United today completed the transfer of French player Paul Pogba from Juventus for a record-breaking transfer fee of £89 million ($115.5 million). But in recent months, European soccer clubs have had to tackle a new player in the international transfer market: China. Investment on new soccer stars from teams in China's domestic Super League (CSL) is on the rise, with top foreign players being offered eye-watering sums to uproot and join clubs in the Middle Kingdom. In this industry at least, China seems to be paying considerable attention to importing, rather than exporting. According to Deloitte's Annual Review of Football Finance, published in June 2016, China's "commitment to football has triggered investment of c.£200 million in playing talent by Chinese Super League Clubs in the 2016 winter transfer window." This is more than any other country. During transfer season earlier this year, CSL signings broke Asian records three times in 10 days.

Hulk #8 of Shanghai SIPG is challenged by Henan Jianye players during a Chinese Super League match on July 10, 2016 in Shanghai, China. VCG | Getty Images

Top players moving eastwards

The CSL had been seen as a well-paid retirement home for older stars. However that has all changed. "Recently, China has been attracting a different caliber of players who are significantly younger than before. Chinese clubs have also been signing players with many international caps, like (Brazilian soccer star) Ramires," says Kevin Alavy, managing director of Futures Sport + Entertainment told CNBC over the phone. Shanghai SIPG signed Brazilian soccer player Givanildo Vieira de Sousa – more commonly known as Hulk – at the end of June for $61 million. Previously playing for Zenit St Petersburg, Hulk's move makes him the most expensive signing in Asian soccer. Other hot recent acquisitions include Alex Teixeira by Jiangsu Suning for $55 million; Jackson Martinez by Guangzhou Evergrande for $47 million; and Ramieres by Jiangsu Suning again for $29.7 million, according to figures compiled by the Financial Times. Sky-rocketing salaries are a key attraction. The Independent reported in July that four of the world's top 10 highest paid soccer players are from Chinese clubs. Hulk is set to earn £16.5 million per year, making him the world's third highest played soccer player, trailing only to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Other names on the list include Graziano Pelle at Shandong Luneng earning £12.5 million; Ezequiel Lavezzi at Hebai China Fortune earning £10.5m; and Jackson Martinez at Guangzhou earning £10m. Notably, only five overseas players are allowed per team in the CSL, permitting the vast sums of money offered to attract big name players. Alavy says, "top players signed are often attackers. They tend to be higher profile, as the positions are more glamorous. A top striker can make a difference quickly." With regards to domestic interest, Alavy suggests that, "Chinese fans prefer domestic talent. But more important is a team's success. Overseas talent makes teams stronger, so it's a price worth paying to see success." He also explains that higher quality players spur on motivated teammates to learn from them technically.

Ramires #7 of Jiangsu Suning drives the ball during the Chinese Super League match between Jiangsu Suning and Chongqing Lifan on June 19, 2016 in Nanjing, China. VCG | Getty Images

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