Currently, the Shandong Taishan team has reconvened for winter training, but there is still no definitive news about the team's reinforcement, especially in terms of foreign aid. Fans are still looking forward to the team welcoming significant new signings. However, recently, instead of waiting for a major signing, Taishan fans have been drawn to the news that one of the team's foreign players is about to officially transfer and leave. He is none other than the league's golden boot winner, Leonardo.
According to media reports, due to Taishan's decision to dispense with Leonardo, Shanghai Port is now planning to buy out his contract for reinforcement. This has undoubtedly raised questions from Taishan fans, who question why the team would let go of such a capable foreign player and instead bring in a player like Pato? In the 2023 season, Leonardo had an outstanding performance at Changchun Yatai, and during the summer window of that season, there was actually hope for his return. However, Taishan ultimately chose Pato, a player under the Korean agent closely associated with Choi Kang-hee.
Last season, fans were also eagerly anticipating Leonardo's return, but Taishan did not choose to bring him back. Instead, they introduced Zeeka at a record-breaking price for the Chinese Super League. These moves by Taishan have caused dissatisfaction among fans. Recently, according to reporter Miao Yuan, Taishan's decision not to recall Leonardo was not based on tactical considerations or salary caps, but rather closely related to Choi Kang-hee's personal recruitment strategy.
Since Choi Kang-hee took over as coach of Taishan, he has always had the final say in recruitment. Leonardo is clearly not one of Choi's people and is not part of his plans. Despite Leonardo's excellent performance during his loan spell at Changchun Yatai, Choi still chose not to bring him back in order to introduce players under the Korean agent. Therefore, Taishan brought in two frontline players, Pato and Zeeka, and even had to pay part of Leonardo's salary out of their own pocket to facilitate his loan departure.
It can be said that Leonardo's failure to return to Taishan is entirely due to Choi Kang-hee's character issues. In fact, not only Miao Yuan, but other well-known football journalists such as Chen Yong, Niu Zhi Ming, Xu Jiang, and Li Xuan have repeatedly questioned Choi Kang-hee's recruitment issues and character problems. Judging from Choi's series of actions, he does not seem to consider the future of the club. During his tenure at Taishan, he seems to prioritize his personal interests more. Unfortunately, Choi did not step down during this offseason, so it is likely that he will continue coaching Taishan in the new season. In that case, fans should not hold too many expectations for Taishan's new season.