After the end of last season, Shandong Taishan has been relatively inactive in terms of recruitment. However, recent news from the club indicates that they will be acquiring former Evergrande wingback, Zhong Yihao, from Henan Team.
According to reports, after extensive negotiations, Henan Team agreed to loan Zhong Yihao to Shandong Taishan. The addition of this former Evergrande near-international can help Taishan address their defensive shortcomings on the left flank.
The 29-year-old Zhong Yihao is currently in the prime of his career. However, his situation at Henan Team last season was not ideal, with only seven starting appearances and limited goals and assists. In such circumstances, Zhong Yihao hopes to gain more playing time and development opportunities, and Shandong Taishan has seized this opportunity to extend an invitation to him.
Bringing in Zhong Yihao is a wise move for Taishan. Over the past two seasons, the team's left-back position has had significant weaknesses, especially as Liu Yang's form continues to decline, making this issue even more pronounced. Zhong Yihao can not only play as a left midfielder and left winger but also as a left-back, making him the versatile player that Shandong Taishan needs.
As part of the exchange conditions, Henan Team hopes to acquire one or two young players from Shandong Taishan. This request has received a positive response from Taishan. Indeed, Shandong Taishan does have a group of young players with great potential, among whom Jia Feifan and Liu Guobao are considered the most likely candidates to become part of the trade.
Jia Feifan was the main defensive midfielder for the 01 national Olympic team and performed well on both offense and defense. However, he has not been favored by South Korean coach Choi Kang-hee at Shandong Taishan. Joining Henan Team could provide Jia Feifan with more playing opportunities, and if he can excel at Henan Team, he may become a new international-level defensive midfielder.
Compared to Jia Feifan, Liu Guobao has a greater reputation; he was the best player in the Chinese Super League U21 league and the top scorer for the Taishan youth team. Last season, due to a serious injury, Liu Guobao was unable to represent Taishan in the Chinese Super League. With this loan move to Henan Team, it is hoped that Liu Guobao can seize the opportunity to become a key player and impress coach Choi Kang-hee with his outstanding performance.
It is reported that Henan Team has recently started their winter training for the new season under the guidance of coach Nan Ji-yi at the Kunming Hongta Base, with Zhong Yihao joining them. When he will officially join Shandong Taishan will depend on the club's official announcement.
Another Chinese Super League powerhouse, Beijing Guoan, has also recently signed a new player, 24-year-old overseas international Wu Shaocong. Wu Shaocong came through the Beijing Baxy youth training system and moved to Japan's J League at the age of 17. In the 2019 season, Wu Shaocong returned to the Chinese Super League, joining Guangzhou Evergrande.
After the 2022 season, Wu Shaocong left Evergrande and transferred to Istanbulspor in the Turkish Super League. However, due to injuries, he has not been able to secure consistent playing time. Last October, Wu Shaocong was loaned to Radomiak in the Polish Super League but still failed to establish himself.
In this situation, Wu Shaocong decided to return to China for development, with Beijing Guoan becoming his new home. It is understood that Wu Shaocong has already arrived in Haikou and is about to join the Guoan team to start winter training. It is believed that once the Chinese Super League winter transfer window officially opens, the Guoan club will quickly announce Wu Shaocong's formal signing.