The 26-year-old left the Spanish capital for the Chinese Super League in February 2018 in a double deal with teammate Nicolas Gaitan but has been actively seeking a return to European football over the last few months.
Browsing: Dalian Yifang
Shanghai Shenhua forward Odion Ighalo has scored his first goal in the Chinese Super League since May when he left to represent Nigeria at 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Benitez, who left Premier League side Newcastle after failing to agree a contract extension at the end of last month, takes over a team that is in 10th in the CSL following a 3-1 win over fellow strugglers Beijing Renhe on Saturday
Chen Jingang’s men, without the Super Eagles forward, succumbed to a 2-0 loss against Dalian Yifang in their last league game of the season.