The winter transfer window for the Chinese Super League (CSL) is about to open, and Beijing Guoan has made a "big move" in anticipation. Last season, under the leadership of Portuguese coach Suarez, Guoan finished fourth in the league, missing out on the AFC Champions League, and was left behind by the top two teams, Shanghai Port and Shanghai Shenhua, causing concern among the club's management.
At this critical juncture, changing coaches became inevitable. Setien, who once coached Barcelona, quickly took office. Upon his arrival, he demonstrated a bold style, putting five players, including Yu Dabao and Li Ke, on the list for transfer, which sparked heated discussions among fans.
Among those being transferred, captain Yu Dabao is a meritorious veteran with a glorious record. In the 2024 season, he played 16 times, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist. Versatile enough to play as both a forward and center-back, he is known as the team's "jack-of-all-trades," ready to fill any position needed. Everyone had hoped he would retire peacefully at Guoan, but after his contract expired, he was let go by the new coach, and there are even rumors that he might retire. Fans are reluctant to see him go, and the topic "Saving Yu Dabao's Career" has gained significant online attention. They reminisce about his past highlights, such as his passionate celebrations after scoring decisive goals, which remain unforgettable to this day.
Zhang Chengdong, on the other hand, played 12 games last season with less impressive statistics, but his fighting spirit on the field was evident to all. It was assumed he would stay at Guoan, but now he may be heading to Qingdao West Coast to start a new chapter. The news caused an uproar among fans, who, while expressing their reluctance, filled the screens with blessings for his future, hoping he will achieve success in his new environment.
Li Ke, a naturalized player, only knows the difficulties of integrating into the team. When he tearfully bid farewell to the fans at the end of the season, everyone thought he would stay, considering the high cost of naturalization. However, it is reported that Li Ke has found a good destination and is about to report to Chengdu Rongcheng.
In terms of foreign players, Mamadou and Adenoro are about to leave the team. Mamadou, who has been in China for a long time and has a wide network, can find a new home relatively easily. Setien is focused on strengthening the midfield and already has a target for the defensive midfielder position, but he is undecided about the other foreign player slot, wavering between a central midfielder and an attacker. This uncertainty is causing anxiety among fans, who worry daily about whether the new season's lineup will be strong enough.
On the domestic player front, the naturalization of Serginho is actively underway, but negotiations with the center-back have hit a stalemate. Fans were originally looking forward to an upgraded defense in the new season, but now they can only search online for updates, hoping for good news soon.
Fortunately, Zhang Xizhe, the 34-year-old core midfielder of Guoan, successfully renewed his contract for two more years. As a product of Guoan's youth training system, he almost achieved the feat of playing for one city throughout his career. Veterans Chi Zhongguo and Wang Gang each renewed their contracts for another year and will serve as captains, while mid-career players Bai Yang and Nabi Jiang also successfully renewed their contracts, stabilizing the team's foundation. However, there are still whispers among fans questioning whether these veterans can adapt to Setien's new tactics. Everything is uncertain, and everyone can only wait and see.
In summary, Setien's series of radical moves have left Guoan fans' hearts in turmoil. On one hand, they understand the new coach's desire to break with the old and strive for the championship, as the CSL competition is fierce, and without change, they risk falling behind. On the other hand, the departure of veterans, the integration of the new lineup, the future of naturalized players, the choice of foreign players, and the deadlock in negotiations with the center-back are all factors that cause concern.