Ex-Arsenal and Brentford star is now playing in China - But how is he getting on? | OneFootball

How is Nico Yennaris (Li Ke) getting on in China after his move from Brentford in 2019?

Summary

Former Brentford star Nico Yennaris has become a bit of a forgotten man since his five-year stint at Griffin Park, which came to an end in 2019.

The former Arsenal youth prospect joined the Bees in 2014, before heading out on loan to Wycombe Wanderers, where he helped the Chairboys reach the League Two play-off final. He then returned to Brentford, breaking into the first team before his departure in 2019.

Since then, Yennaris, now known as Li Ke, has forged a successful career in China. The midfielder spent six years at Beijing Guoan, before moving to Shanghai Shenhua. After his move abroad, the former Bee might have become somewhat of a forgotten man with EFL fans.

Yennaris developed in England before Beijing move

The 31-year-old spent nearly 10 years in the academy at Arsenal, before signing his first professional contract for the Gunners in 2010. Yennaris also represented England at Under-17, 18, and 19 level. He made his Premier League debut in the 2011-12 season.

After loan spells at Notts County and AFC Bournemouth, the youngster departed the Emirates Stadium after making just four appearances for the club. He remained in the capital for his next chapter, joining Brentford on an initial two-and-a-half-year deal.

His third loan spell would yield some success, as Yennaris played an important part in Wycombe’s push for promotion in League Two, which ultimately ended at the final hurdle, following a penalty shootout heartbreak at Wembley. However, this would be the platform for the upcoming midfielder to break into the Brentford first team.

Over the next five years, Yennaris racked up over 150 appearances in the red and white stripes, helping the club establish themselves in the Championship. He would eventually depart the Bees in January 2019, as a new opportunity arose abroad.

Former Brentford man still performing in China

The move to China would be the dawn of something new for Yennaris, as he left the English capital to head to the Chinese capital. At the time, the Chinese Super League was attracting a lot of interest, thanks to the astronomical wages they were paying some players.

The move may not have seemed like the next logical step in the Brentford man’s career, especially at the age of just 25. However, it would see the midfielder become a senior international, but not for England. Yennaris made history in 2019, becoming the first foreign-born player to be called up to the Chinese national team. The Beijing Guoan star was available to play for the national side through his mother. Now known as Li Ke, it was like a completely new beginning for the ex-Arsenal prospect.

Six years after his move across the world, Yennaris is still going strong and has recently begun a new chapter in his career with Shanghai Shenhua, following a six-year stint with Beijing Guoan, which saw him make 98 appearances for the club and earn multiple caps for his national side. Following his transfer to Shanghai in January 2025, Yennaris is set to embark on a new chapter, after six excellent seasons of loyalty in the capital.

Now 31 years old, it seems the man born in Leytonstone still has plenty of years left in the tank. Whilst a return to England one day can't be ruled out, China has become home for Yennaris, having spent six years in the country, and representing their national team. Whilst he may have become a forgotten man in England, the midfielder acclimatised to his new surroundings well and has become a star in China.