Brazilian midfielder Oscar will join the Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG in January for an agreed fee of 60 million pounds, his current club Chelsea said in a statement.

The Brazilian international joined Chelsea four and a half years ago for 19 million pounds, but the 25-year-old has struggled to maintain a first team place this season, making only five starts in Premier League matches under manager Antonio Conte.

In his time with the club, Oscar scored 38 goals in 403 appearances for Chelsea, helping them win the Premier League title, the Europa Cup and the English League Cup; twice he won the Chelsea goal of the season award.

But when manager Conte switched to a winning 3-4-3 formation in October, Oscar struggled to win a place. Chelsea now leads the Premiership.

“‘Skillful and tenacious, Oscar has been highly regarded by fans, players and staff during his time as a Blue,” said the Chelsea statement.

The fee is understood to include an agreement on image rights and personal terms.

To contact the reporter: chris@mail.chinadailyuk.com