Ex-Chelsea midfielder Oscar completes new transfer after he ends eight-year-long stint in Chinese Super League

Former Chelsea midfielder has secured a return to his boyhood club Sao Paulo after the end of his eight-year-long spell at Chinese club Shanghai Port. 

Earlier this Tuesday (December 24), Sao Paulo president Julio Casares suggested that Oscar will join the Brazilian club next year on his Instagram account. He posted a photo with the ex-Chelsea star and captioned the post:

"Photo of meeting with footballing star Oscar this week... is any similarity mere coincidence? Without planning, we were already in uniform. Working to be together and in tune in 2025 too! #SuperTransfer #TogetherForSaoPaulo"

Afterwards, Oscar thanked Shanghai Port in post on X, writing:

"Today, I close a chapter that has forever marked my life. After eight years wearing this jersey with so much pride, it's impossible not to feel a mix of emotions as I say goodbye. These were intense years, filled with hard work, dedication and victories. Together, we won everything possible, and this was only achieved thanks to the unconditional support of everyone at the club and its fans."

After leaving Chelsea in a reported £60 million move in January 2017, Oscar helped Shanghai Port lift five trophies. The 33-year-old attacking midfielder registered 77 goals and 141 assists in 248 overall appearances for the Chinese outfit.

Meanwhile, Oscar relished a fine spell at the Stamford Bridge side between 2012 and 2016. He guided the London club to two Premier League titles, one UEFA Europa League trophy, and an EFL Cup. The ex-Brazil international contributed 38 goals and 31 assists in 203 outings across all competitions for them.

Chelsea told to snap up 32-year-old Argentine

Former Tottenham Hotspur star Darren Bent has tipped the Blues to launch a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the future. He told talkSPORT (h/t Metro):

"I wonder if Aston Villa don't get back in the Champions League. I know he signed a new contract, but could he go? The fact is he could play for almost any team he wanted to. Chelsea could get him."

Martinez, 32, has cemented himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world since leaving Arsenal in 2020. He has recorded 60 clean sheets and shipped 223 goals in 182 appearances across all competitions for Unai Emery's side so far.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa are currently sixth in the Premier League standings with 28 points from 17 outings. They are seven points behind Chelsea, who are in second place ahead of Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Bournemouth right now.