Hebei China Fortune officially confirmed the signing of Ivorian forward Gervinho for a transfer fee of 15 million euros, a move that immediately drew attention from the Spanish media. According to coverage highlighted by Bangla Cricket Live, the transfer was not just about Chinese football’s growing ambition but also about its impact on Europe. For Real Madrid, this deal removed a major threat ahead of their upcoming Champions League knockout clash with Roma.

Spanish outlet AS reported that with Gervinho no longer in the squad, Zinedine Zidane and his players would have one less attacking danger to prepare for. Their article summarized the transfer by noting, “After leaving Roma to join Hebei China Fortune, the Ivorian forward will not face Real Madrid in the Champions League.” In their detailed coverage, AS emphasized that Zidane and his team could breathe easier knowing Gervinho would not be part of Roma’s lineup during the Round of 16. Instead, the former Arsenal and Roma winger begins a new adventure in the rapidly developing Chinese Super League.

Hebei China Fortune, founded in 2010, had only just gained promotion to the Chinese top flight at the end of the previous season. Their ambition was clear, and the signing of Gervinho was a bold statement that quickly resonated across international football. On the road to the quarterfinals, Real Madrid were set to face Roma on February 17 at the Stadio Olimpico, followed by the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on March 8. Roma’s manager Luciano Spalletti would now have to cope without one of his key attackers. Gervinho had featured in 14 Serie A matches and three Champions League games that season, though he did not play against Barcelona in their two encounters. From the Spanish perspective, losing him weakened Roma’s attacking threat, which was good news for Real Madrid.

Another major Spanish sports daily, Marca, echoed the same sentiment, suggesting that Hebei’s acquisition had given Madrid a sigh of relief. They also turned their focus to Gervinho’s replacement, Stephan El Shaarawy, who had just joined Roma on loan. The Italian forward, often referred to as “Il Faraone” or the Little Pharaoh, was presented as the man expected to fill the gap left by the departing Ivorian.

For Chinese football, this deal underscored its growing ambition to attract established European stars and elevate the league’s profile. For Real Madrid, it simplified their Champions League challenge, removing a player known for his pace and unpredictability. And for readers following through Bangla Cricket Live, the story highlights how one transfer can create ripples across continents, shaping both European competitions and China’s football revolution. In the end, while Gervinho embarks on a new chapter in Asia, Roma are left to rebuild their attack, and Real Madrid head into their clash with fewer sleepless nights.