Real Madrid defender Pepe will join Hebei China Fortune once his contract at the Bernabeu expires, according to reports in Spain.
Cadena Cope state the Portuguese international will end his decade-long stay in the Spanish capital this summer to join the Chinese Super League outfit in a deal which will see him reportedly earn €15m-a-year – almost tripling his current salary.
The defender, who turns 34 next month, contract at Los Blancos expires at the end of June and despite seeking a new two-year deal with Zinedine Zidane’s side, he has allegedly only been offered a one-year extension due to club policy.
Hebei China Fortuna are coached by former Real Madrid boss Manuel Pellegrini and who’s star players include Ezequiel Lavezzi, Gervinho and former Sevilla midfielder Stephan Mbia.
The move is likely to rule him out of selection for Portugal should they qualify for the 2018 World Cup, by which time Pepe will be 35-years-old.
