Just when you thought the torture of the January transfer window was over, China finds a way to surprise us.

Over the past few years, several stars have headed to Asia to take advantage of the opulent Chinese Super League with very mixed results.

Carlos Tevez is an example of a man who chased the money and did not produce the results to match.

However, Brazilian midfielder Paulinho was struggling with Tottenham before he got his move to the CSL. Then, he rebuilt his career and has since secured a move to Barcelona, arguably the biggest club in the world.

When players pack their bags for China, it's only natural that some fans think they are chasing a payday.

On this occasion, it's truly hard to decipher. With Atletico Madrid seven points clear of city rivals Real in the La Liga table and still in the Europa League, two of their star men have chosen to head to China and sign for a newly promoted side.

Those two players are Nicola Gaitan and Yannick Carrasco. Dalian Yifang, hot on the heels of their deal for former West Ham defender Jose Fonte, have secured the pair for an estimated combined worth of £40 million, according to The Mirror.

Gaitan has been linked with Manchester United in the past - almost every summer - and the Argentine winger finally left Benfica last summer but found his opportunities under Diego Simeone limited.

Carrasco, only 24, was one of the hottest commodities in Europe just last summer, but after his relationship with Simeone soured and his playing time decreased, the Belgian became desperate to get some game time under his belt before the World Cup.

The fact that Atletico would sanction the departures of both attackers is quite stunning, but with Diego Costa, Antoine Griezmann, Angel Correa, Kevin Gameriro, Koke, Vitolo and Fernando Torres all able to play in the forward positions, Atletico chose to cash-in instead.

Atletico have Lokomotiv Moscow in the last 16 of the Europa League and currently sit second in La Liga; will either men regret their moves to China? One has to think, for Carassco at least, a big money return to Europe awaits him.