On January 6th, Beijing time, Shandong media reported that Mustapha Tash, the main central defender of Shandong Taishan B team, is on trial with Shaanxi United, a newly-promoted team to the Chinese League One. Shaanxi United, which has just been confirmed by the Football Association to be promoted to the League One, has set its sights on strengthening its defense with the 21-year-old towering central defender Mustapha, who shone in the China League Two last season. As a favorite player of Han Peng, the head coach of Shandong Taishan B team, Mustapha became the most trusted defensive pillar for Han Peng after returning from Chongqing Tongliang Long in the Chinese League One during the summer transfer window and joining Shandong Taishan B team to play in the League Two. His contributions were significant in helping the team reach the promotion group.
Born in 2003, Mustapha stands at an impressive height of 1.86 meters. He is one of the key central defenders being groomed by Shandong Taishan and, along with Yan Hengyue, is considered a future successor for the team's domestic central defensive line. Having previously played for the first team in the 2001 and 2003 seasons, it is expected that Mustapha will join Shaanxi United on loan if all goes well with his trial.
With Mustapha likely heading to the League One, Shandong media suggests that the new season of Shandong Taishan will still rely on veterans Zheng Zhen and Shi Ke to carry the load. Without the competition from young central defender Mustapha, veteran Shi Ke's position in the team should be secure this year. With Shi Ke's contract with Shandong Taishan extending until the 2026 season, it seems that he will continue to occupy space that could otherwise be used for the growth of younger central defenders next year. His presence in the first team will inevitably prevent a young central defender from joining the first team lineup.
