Villarreal boss reveals Bakambu could join Beijing Guoan in 'hours'

The delightfully named Bacca-Bakambu strike partnership is set to be dismantled.

Villarreal manager Javi Calleja said Wednesday that a deal for Cedric Bakambu to join Beijing Guoan could be completed in “a matter of hours,” according to Reuters, ending the two-and-a-half-year association between the striker and the Castellonenses club.

The Chinese Super League outfit has exercised a release clause worth €40 million for the Congolese artilleryman, according to Spanish media reports relayed by Sky Sports.

“Bakambu’s transfer is being finalised and it could be completed in a matter of hours,” Calleja said. “It is in the interest of all parties, there is a buyout clause and it looks like they are going to pay it.”

Bakambu, a £6.5-million arrival from Bursaspor in 2015, has scored nine goals in 15 La Liga appearances this season, often lining up alongside Colombian forward Carlos Bacca. Considering his burgeoning reputation and the fact he’s aged just 26, Bakambu’s seemingly impending transfer will likely attract criticism, since China’s huge wages far eclipse the quality currently on offer in the country’s top flight.