Currently, the Chinese Super League is still in the offseason, but teams have begun their winter training preparations one after another. Among them, Shandong Taishan is set to gather for winter training on January 6th. The team has received particular attention from fans during this offseason, especially regarding the future of head coach Choi Kang-hee, which has been a persistent concern for Taishan. Choi Kang-hee's camp has repeatedly released messages indicating a desire to part ways with Taishan, and he himself has submitted an application to leave the team. However, the negotiations for their separation have not been smooth.
Recently, according to media reports, Choi Kang-hee has not been able to leave the team as he wished, and his side has made compromises. He will continue to coach Taishan. It is reported that Choi Kang-hee is about to return to the team. He will head straight to Jinan to join the team and participate in winter training. However, Choi Kang-hee's power within Taishan next season will be significantly reduced, and he will no longer be able to make transfers entirely according to his own wishes. Therefore, the coordination between him and the management will be one of the key factors determining Taishan's success in the new season.
In terms of personnel adjustments, Taishan has been streamlining its roster during this offseason. According to current information, familiar players such as Liao Lisheng, Tong Lei, and Sun Guowen have all left the team successively. In terms of foreign players, Patric has confirmed his departure, and there is no news of renewals for Jadson and Marcelo, whose contracts have expired. These two central defenders may also leave at the same time. In terms of strengthening the team, young players on loan such as Lu Yongtao and Yang Ruiqi are expected to join the winter training squad, infusing new vitality into the team.
Furthermore, Taishan has completed contract renewals with Buyu Lang and Zhao Jianfei during this offseason. Both are mid-career players for Taishan. With the team's current structure being somewhat top-heavy, Taishan will accelerate the pace of generational change in the new season. Players like Zhao Jianfei and Buyu Lang, who emerged last season, are expected to receive more playing time and secure starting positions in the new season. The renewals of these two players, along with the growth of young players within the team, lay a solid foundation for Taishan's future.
Faced with the reality of an aging squad, Taishan Club has shown a clear stance: players over 30 years old will no longer be the focus of recruitment. This decision not only reflects the club's pursuit of youth but also foreshadows that Taishan will present itself to fans with a more youthful and vibrant appearance in the new season. Therefore, transfer targets previously mentioned, such as Zheng Dalun and Han Pengfei, have been canceled by Taishan. We hope that in the new season, after strengthening the cultivation of young players, more outstanding players like Xie Wenhao can emerge for Taishan.