The transfer window for the third-tier league opens on January 6th, and teams are actively seeking reinforcements. The two football teams from the city of Dalian are no exception. Dalian Kun Cheng has already announced the signing of eleven new players, while Dalian Yibo is also actively pursuing new signings, with initial success in their search for a center back.
After missing out on Italian Serie A center back Barba, Dalian Yibo's top target for a foreign center back became Mamadou, a former Beijing Guoan player. Mamadou is known for his good aerial ability, solid performance in tracking back and one-on-one defense, but he is average in physical confrontations and lacks the ability to play the ball out from the back. Therefore, the team has been looking for a capable domestic center back who can distribute the ball.
Two domestic players have caught the attention of Dalian Yibo. The first is He Guan from Shanghai Port. At 31 years old, He Guan plays as a center back and comes from the Shandong Luneng Football School and Chongming Island youth training system. Throughout his career, he has played for Shanghai Port, Changchun Yatai, Wuhan Three Towns, and Henan Team. He was the main center back for his team from the 2017 to 2021 seasons, and during his loan spells at other clubs, he remained a key player. He made his national team debut in 2017 and has since played four times for the national team. He Guan is known for his excellent awareness, tough playing style, and stable defense, which will enhance the team's defensive strength, although playing the ball out is not one of his main features.
In addition to He Guan, another left-footed center back from a relegation-threatened team has also come into the team's view. This player has good ball-playing abilities and can serve as a rotational option at center back. Looking at the targets for domestic signings, it seems increasingly likely that Mamadou will join the team. The Mali center back, who is currently a free agent, will travel to Haikou for winter training with the team once a contract is signed. Moreover, Dong Huayang, a former Zhejiang team player who is on trial with the team, has also joined the team for winter training in Haikou. Dong, a 21-year-old center back from Zhuanghe, Dalian, comes from the Northeast Road Primary School and has played for Dalian Transcendence. He was the captain of the national youth team and was selected for the national team training squad in 2018.
As the transfer window opens, more new signings will join the team in Hainan. We look forward to the team successfully integrating their lineup during this winter training period, laying a solid foundation for the upcoming Chinese Super League season. Go for it!