Shenhua FC will loan Sun to Austria Vienna

By Li Xinran  |   2008-7-2  |     ONLINE EDITION

CHINESE soccer player Sun Xiang is expected to join Austria Vienna, one of the top teams in Austria's top division.

Sun was en route o Vienna for a physical check before signing a contract with the club, Sina.com reported today.

Sun is very likely to play for the team in the UEFA Cup.

Sun might be loaned to the Austrian club for a year, according to the club's Website.

The club may also have priority to sign the Chinese left back for another year after the loan agreement expires.

Austria Vienna finished third last season in the Austrian League and the team is planning to import a striker and a left back for the coming season, according to Sina.com.

Sun played for the Chinese national team and scored a fine goal when China beat Australia in the World Cup qualifying round, said Austria Vienna team manager Thomas Parits.

Sun plays with Shanghai Shenhua FC and was once loaned to Dutch team PSV Eindhoven.

He made his debut as a left back with the Dutch team on February 17, 2007, against Heracles Almelo.

On February 20, 2007, Sun became the first Chinese footballer to play in a UEFA Champions League match when he appeared for PSV Eindhoven in its 1-0 win over Arsenal.

After the end of his loan period, he did not get a contract even though he told the Dutch club he wanted to stay.