Chinese Super League leaders Guangzhou are believed to have smashed the country's transfer record to lure Fluminense midfielder Dario Conca to Asia.
Dario Conca won the Bola de Ouro (Golden Ball) for being the best player in Brazil's Serie A in 2010
Conca, who has consistently been one of the Brazilian top flight's best players over the past couple of years, has signed a three-and-a-half year deal, according to reports in China.
While no precise figure has been placed on the transfer fee, it is thought Conca stands to earn a remarkable $10.4 million a year, which would see the 28-year-old join the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as one of the world's best paid players.
The Argentine playmaker contributed nine goals and 18 assists in the 2010 Brazilian championship and picked up a host of individual awards for his impressive form, including the Prêmio Craque do Brasileirão - Brazilian Player of the Year - award.
"This is a good offer for the club, and words cannot describe what it represents to Conca. It will allow him and his family financial security in just two and a half years," Fluminense coach Abel Braga said, according to Brazilian website Globoesporte.
"This offer will put him in the top ten highest-paid players in the world. Let us hope that it happens. He is a guy who has completely identified with the club but this is a unique opportunity."
Conca will join fellow South Americans Paulao, Renato Caja and Cleo at Guangzhou, with the latter the previous holder of the Chinese transfer record when he signed earlier this year.