Chinese media Dongqiudi recently reported that the LaLiga side RCD Espanyol have signed an agreement with their Chinese partner to open a football academy in Shanghai in July this year. 

Reports say that on February 24 the RCD Espanyol official website announced the team will launch the football academy in Shanghai in July. The Business Management and Coordination Director YE Mao, CEO Roger Guasch, Partner of the Shanghai Football Academy XING Jingqi and the Head of the football academy in Shanghai David Sanchez signed an agreement. 

This is not the first time that Espanyol has made the decision to set up a football school in China. In 2016, Espanyol set up a football school in Guangzhou after it was acquired by the Chinese company Rastar Group. 

Since Wu Lei joined the football club not long ago, the football club has experienced greater attention from Chinese audiences. The move to set up the football school is considered as an initiative to utilize the great attention and brand awareness they are enjoying now in China.

Reference: Tencent Sports 

Proofread by Levison Makuvise