Despite only finishing fifth in the 2024 season, Shandong Taishan remains a focal point for media attention, primarily due to the team's rich heritage. Since its inception, the Taishan club has consistently competed at championship levels, experiencing occasional dips but generally leading the direction of professional football leagues in China, particularly in terms of youth training. Taishan is brimming with talent, as evidenced by the recent inclusion of Buyu Lang in the national team. However, the club also faces challenges in transitioning between generations, with an older average age being one of the main reasons for last season's performance decline.
To address this, Taishan is seeking change. On one hand, they are tapping into their youth training program to promote outstanding players to the first team, enhancing the team's vitality while reducing the average age. On the other hand, they are looking to improve the age structure through new signings, with players under 30 expected to become the norm. Following the departures of players like Tong Lei, Sun Guowen, and Liao Lisheng, Taishan is now seeking new recruits that better suit the team. Previously, there were rumors about the club's interest in signing the 29-year-old forward, Tang Chuang. Now, after Choi Kang-hee's return, these rumors have been confirmed by informed media sources.
Tang Chuang is set to sign with Taishan and join the team's preparations for the new season. Fans often associate Tang Chuang with late blooming. Over the past three seasons, Tang Chuang, who started his career with Qingdao Hongshi, has made significant strides. In the 2021 season, he played for Suzhou Dongwu, making 30 appearances with a starting rate of over 50% and contributing seven goals. In the 2022 season, Tang Chuang made 31 appearances, with his starting rate increasing to 70%. Although his goal tally decreased, he provided ten assists, demonstrating his comprehensive technical abilities. It was precisely because of his impressive performances in the Chinese League One that Tang Chuang moved to Chengdu Rongcheng in 2023, achieving a platform upgrade.
In the 2023 season, Tang Chuang made 17 appearances for Rongcheng, scoring two goals and providing one assist despite coming off the bench 13 times. Last season, his number of appearances increased to 11. Notably, in a match against league champions Shanghai Port, Tang Chuang scored twice, becoming the key player in an upset victory, which subsequently propelled him to fame and helped Rongcheng secure third place in the league.
Now successfully transferring, Tang Chuang becomes Taishan's first new signing for 2025, with his technical characteristics expected to be further developed. Both Taishan's tradition and Choi Kang-hee have a preference for using tall forwards. However, Tang Chuang will face stiff competition from forwards like Crespo and Zechariah, necessitating that he start from the bench and deliver more impressive performances to earn a starting spot.