As a newly promoted team in the Chinese Super League (CSL), whether Dalian Yibo can avoid the "one-year tour" of the CSL mainly depends on whether it can introduce high-level and capable foreign players. Yibo has renewed contracts with six players: Lv Peng, Yan Peng, Sui Weijie, Fei Yu, Jin Pengxiang, and Sun Bo. Yan Xiangchuang, who still has one year left on his contract, has also stayed with the team, leaving only Zhao Mingjian not playing. The domestic players are still old and young, so if you want to stay in the league, you must buy five good foreign players; otherwise, saving money will lead to failure in staying up, wasting money and effort.
To significantly enhance strength and upgrade equipment, investors need to spend the 150 million yuan wisely! Currently, the team has basically confirmed three foreign players, and negotiations for the other two are ongoing. The three confirmed foreign players are Kalanga, Malele, and Lapuad. After the New Year's Day holiday, Dalian Yibo will go to Hainan for the second phase of winter training, focusing on tactical drills. Lapuad arrived in Dalian on the evening of January 1 and completed his physical examination. He will join the entire Yibo team in going to Hainan.
Previously, Yunnan Yuku was renting Lapuad, but since both parties have a contract, with this year's foreign aid policy adjusted to "6655", to avoid occupying foreign aid spots, Lapuad is most likely to be bought out by Yibo. In the 2024 season, Lapuad went through an adaptation period, performed well in the second half, and together with Mushegui and Joni, they became the front trident of Yuku. He played 31 games for Yuku, starting 30 times, contributing 6 goals and 9 assists, becoming one of the contributors to Yuku's promotion.
If Dalian Yibo's offense is as beautiful as a painting, what about defense? The other two foreign aid spots should be given to a defensive midfielder and a central defender. Previously, Yibo Club contacted Federico Barba, a 31-year-old central defender from Serie A club Como. The player is Italian, with a transfer market value of 1 million euros. This season, he only played 8 games for Como, starting 6 times, not a regular starter. Since the player's contract expires in June 2026, Yibo would need to pay some transfer fees to buy him, which is not cost-effective.
Mamadou Traore is currently 30 years old, from Mali, with a transfer market value of 900,000 euros. In the 2024 season, he played 27 times for Beijing Guoan, providing 1 assist. After the season ended, his contract with Guoan Club ended. If Yibo signs him as a free agent, it could greatly enhance the stability of the defense. Mamadou's performance has been recognized by Guoan fans, worth his price. Some fans jokingly say, "Last year, Malele was most afraid of Guoan's black tower, but now it's good, he's become teammates with a black tower."
Dalian Yibo Club has the "three horses," with Mamadou and Malele's names both containing "Ma," which is related to the club's "horse culture." Some fans jokingly say, "Mamadou can easily be scared by the particularly enthusiastic home atmosphere." Both the Workers' Stadium and Suoyubay are the most devilish home stadiums in China. Don't be afraid, Mamadou, adapt and you'll enjoy it. Players like Lin Liangming, He Yupeng, and He Xiaqiang returning to Suoyubay to thank the fans will receive applause. Lv Peng, Xiao Chuang, Mamadou, and Jin Pengxiang returning to the Workers' Stadium will also receive the same treatment.
[If you like "Haglong's View of the World," please follow us to stay informed about Chinese football without getting lost.]