This winter break is not only an opportunity for Shandong Taishan to adjust their tactical system and enhance team cohesion, but also a crucial period for in-depth optimization of the squad and laying a solid foundation for future seasons. The team management has reached a consensus that in this transfer window filled with uncertainties, Shandong Taishan needs to reshuffle its current lineup.
Up to now, Shandong Taishan has basically confirmed that six tough players will leave the team, such a big change undoubtedly brings new challenges and opportunities to the team.
Firstly, midfielder Liao LiSheng is basically determined to leave the team. His departure undoubtedly had a significant impact on Shandong Taishan's midfield setup. As a former Guangzhou Evergrande midfield powerhouse, Liao LiSheng, after joining Taishan, although he did not fully play out his level at Evergrande, his rich match experience and excellent passing ability still contributed many highlights to the team. However, due to the failure to reach an agreement on renewal matters, Liao LiSheng finally chose to join Chengdu Rongcheng, which would undoubtedly weaken the control of Taishan's midfield.
The second player to leave is right-back Tong Lei. Tong Lei's departure also made Taishan fans feel sorry. As a national-level full-back cultivated by the Chinese Super League in recent years, Tong Lei is known for his outstanding running ability and precise passing on the field, and is an important part of the team's defensive counterattack. However, with his old club Zhejiang FC throwing him an olive branch and successfully persuading him to return, Tong Lei's departure became an irreversible fact.
In terms of foreign aid, Pato's departure can be said to be a great relief. As a highly anticipated foreign aid, Pato did not show the strength commensurate with his value after joining Taishan, but instead became a big flop for the team. With the expiration of the contract, Taishan resolutely chose not to renew with him, which undoubtedly saved the team a lot of salary space and provided more possibilities for future recruitment work. Fans of Luneng are also sincere about Pato's departure, hoping he will leave as soon as possible.
In addition, three players who were loaned out last season, Sun Guowen, Song Long, and Jixiang, are unlikely to return to the team. Among them, Sun Guowen has won the favor of Zhejiang FC with his outstanding performance during the loan period and is expected to be officially bought out. And Song Long and Jixiang, two veterans, although they have made great contributions to Taishan in the past, with the increase of age and the decline of competitive state, they no longer fit into the team's future construction ideas. After completing various procedures with the team, they will also bid farewell to Taishan and embark on a new journey in their professional careers.
While cleaning up the squad, Taishan is also actively seeking reinforcement. It is reported that the team has decided to recall two rising stars, Yang Ruiqi and Lu Yongtao. Last season, these two young talents performed well during their loan periods, whether it was Lu Yongtao's sharp breakthroughs in attack or Yang Ruiqi's steady defense, both were eye-catching. Their return will undoubtedly inject new vitality into Taishan and enhance the overall strength of the team.
In short, after this winter break's adjustments and reinforcements, Shandong Taishan will welcome the new season's challenges with a new look. Although the new season will still face many difficulties and challenges, it is believed that Shandong Taishan can sweep away the depression of last season and bring surprises to Chinese fans who like them.