Introduction: The departure of Oscar has brought new variables to the Chinese Super League landscape, while Beijing Guoan has been quietly accumulating strength. A former Barcelona coaching team is about to take their positions, much like an experienced navigator boarding a ship, ready to lead the team through the waves. Lin Liangming is akin to a sharp blade on the domestic front line, shining with the afterglow of Real Madrid and already showing his potential. Naturalized player Serginho, rumored to be joining, is like a star waiting to shine, with his glorious record in the AFC Champions League as proof of his abilities. Two foreign player slots carry the hope of winning the championship, presenting both opportunity and challenge. Guoan is like a chess player making careful moves in the transfer market; will they win the title in the new season?
With the departure of Shanghai Port's Oscar, players like Guga and Fabio from Beijing Guoan have seen their values rise into the top 10 in the Chinese Super League, especially with the addition of the rumored AFC MVP. As of December 26th, it seems that Beijing Guoan's lineup has become more formidable than other teams.
They have a coaching team with a former Barcelona background. According to online reports, Setien and his three assistants will arrive in Beijing on January 3rd next year and officially lead the team in the second phase of winter training in Haikou on January 6th. At that time, the new coach and the foreign coaching staff will join the team. This coaching team includes assistant coach Ramiro Amarelli, fitness coach Fran Soto, and video analyst Jaime Pascual, all with experience working for La Liga clubs such as Real Betis, Barcelona, and Villarreal.
Interestingly, Beijing Guoan also has a former Real Madrid player, giving them connections to both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Lin Liangming has been a standout this season for Beijing Guoan, being the top domestic scorer with around 10 goals and assists, which is quite impressive. If Setien and Lin Liangming, who both have strong ties to the best La Liga teams, can perfectly blend their styles, they might be able to replicate the miracle of Muscat and Wu Lei.
Serginho, a popular naturalized player, would also be a significant addition to Beijing Guoan's lineup. Although not yet officially announced, there is a ninety percent chance he will join. Serginho reached his peak by winning the AFC Champions League with a Japanese club and was named MVP, which is very impressive. After joining Changchun Yatai, he has averaged 15 appearances per season over five years.
This season, under the leadership of Xie Hui, he has scored 8 goals and provided 8 assists, helping Changchun Yatai score 16 goals. Personally, I think if Serginho can play at half the level he did at Kashima Antlers in Japan, Beijing Guoan could be champions next season.
Most importantly, Beijing Guoan still has two foreign player slots to fill. In my opinion, the quality of these two future foreign players will be crucial to whether Beijing Guoan can win the championship. If they pursue cost-effectiveness like Shanghai Shenhua did by taking a chance on Minero, it will depend on luck.