China's U23 national football team captain Xu Bin has joined English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers in a permanent move, the club announced on Friday. 
 
The 21-year-old defensive midfielder captained the Chinese U23 team to a historic runners-up finish at the recent AFC U23 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia - the team's best performance ever in the tournament.

Xu joins on a free transfer and will head straight out on a loan for the remainder of the season, allowing him to settle in England and learn the language, while remaining available to still represent Wolves' under-21 group, according to a press release by the English club that currently sits bottom of the Premier League standings. 

The midfielder can contribute in both boxes and has a good passing range. He is highly rated in China and has experience in senior football from time with Guangzhou FC and Chinese Super League side Qingdao West Coast, said the press release. 

Football commentator Chen Ning said via his Weibo that "having taken the first step, it's time to keep moving forward. Hopefully, Xu can serve as a role model for other young players in China."