On the afternoon of January 3rd, Serginho finally arrived in Beijing! This Brazilian midfielder, who once played for the Japanese J-League powerhouse Kashima Antlers and then spent five years with Changchun Yatai, is not far from officially being naturalized into China.
Look at this guy, despite the long journey, he arrived at the airport with a smile on his face, interacting passionately with the fans on-site, which made everyone so happy!
Not only did he hold up a Beijing Guoan scarf, but he also took the initiative to sign autographs and take photos with fans, he is simply a big sweetheart, really the future star of Guoan!
The arrival of Serginho will undoubtedly have a profound impact on Chinese football. Regardless of whether he has the opportunity to play for the national team immediately, just looking at his professional experience over the years is enough to make people's eyes light up.
From Kashima Antlers to Changchun Yatai, this guy is no ordinary person. In Japan, he helped the team win the AFC Champions League title, proving himself on the Asian stage. After joining Changchun Yatai, he became the attacking core of the team, making 100 appearances, contributing 30 goals and 23 assists.
Such performance, just looking at the data, is enough to make people full of expectations for him. Serginho's market value is also impressive! According to Transfermarkt, his current value is 1.8 million euros, which is quite high in the Chinese football world. You know, many Chinese national team players' values are not as high as his. This also shows his recognition both domestically and internationally, as well as his appeal as a naturalized player.
Some netizens say: I sincerely hope that he can complete the naturalization procedures quickly, our national team urgently needs such a midfield core to organize the attack and help us make a run for the World Cup! I think this makes sense. Serginho's technical characteristics perfectly match the tactical needs of the current Chinese team. His ball control and passing ability, especially his performance in the attacking midfielder position, can add a lot of changes to the national team's offense. If he can successfully become a citizen and be selected for the national team, it can greatly enhance the overall strength of the national team.
Returning to Serginho's naturalization process, although he is only here to appear in Beijing this time, his naturalization procedures have entered the countdown stage. It is said that the Chinese Football Association and Serginho himself have reached a consensus, and it is expected that the naturalization procedures will be completed in early 2025. At the latest by the 18th round of the qualifiers in March, he may be able to wear the national team jersey and compete against other strong teams.
Such a player with top-level league experience, who wouldn't want him to join the national team as soon as possible? Naturalization is not without controversy. Some netizens say: I think he is fine, but can the policy of naturalizing players really bring about long-term change for us?
Although the addition of naturalized players can improve the level of the team in the short term, in the long run, how to maintain the competitiveness of the national team without letting naturalized players become a short-term lifeline is a question worth considering. Looking at the current situation, Serginho will undoubtedly bring a new change to the national team. Look at his performance in Changchun Yatai, he is simply a treasure of the midfield in Chinese football! His precise passing, broad vision, and first-class control of the game rhythm. In the current lineup of the national team, there is a lack of such players, especially in the aspects of offensive organization and creating opportunities.
A player like Serginho, with comprehensive skills, can give the national team more confidence when facing strong opponents. Some netizens also put forward different opinions: Although Serginho's strength is good, I hope that Chinese football can focus on cultivating local players instead of relying on naturalized players.
Although this view is reasonable, we must also see the reality. At present, the overall level of Chinese football is still some distance away from the world's top level. The introduction of naturalized players can enhance the competitiveness of the national team in the short term, after all, we do not have the time to wait for the growth of local players. Moreover, Serginho's arrival is not only a boost on the field but also an infusion into Chinese football culture.
Look at his attitude at the Beijing airport, it is incredibly positive, and the enthusiasm and affability he shows when facing fans, doesn't it make you feel that he is a player who will integrate into Chinese football and is willing to contribute to it? Serginho's arrival heralds a further opening up of Chinese football in terms of talent introduction. His joining will play a pivotal role in improving the technical level of the national team and enhancing the team's offensive capabilities.
As long as his naturalization procedures are successfully completed, we will be able to witness the day when this Brazilian midfielder shines on the Chinese football field. Some netizens say: If he can make his debut in the 18th round of the qualifiers in March 2025, I dare to bet that the national team will definitely bring us a different surprise! I am also looking forward to it, after all, Serginho's arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter for the national team.