In the world of football, transfer operations are often akin to a game of chess filled with uncertainties. The once-mysterious move by Shandong Luneng to bring in Leonardo still leaves fans puzzled. "The world is bustling with people seeking profit; it is noisy with those pursuing wealth." In order to lure Leonardo from Urawa Reds of Japan's J-League, Luneng splashed a hefty sum of 100 million yen (approximately RMB 6.17 million), sealing the deal. This decision must have been made with much consideration at the time, perhaps recognizing Leonardo's potential or acknowledging his performance in the Japanese league.
However, Leonardo's trajectory after joining Shandong Luneng deviated significantly from expectations. With only eight appearances and one goal scored, his statistics starkly contrasted with his high price tag. Consequently, his career with Luneng was swept into a storm of wandering, leading to a series of loan moves. In 2021, he was loaned to Hebei FC of the Chinese Super League (CSL); in 2022, he turned out for Ulsan Hyundai of K1 League; in 2023, he played for Changchun Yatai; and by 2024, he was loaned to Zhejiang FC.
Leonardo is not without talent. Prior to joining the CSL, he was crowned the top scorer in Japan's J2 League, demonstrating his offensive capabilities. Upon arriving in the CSL, his performances were commendable. In the 2023 season, he scored 19 goals to become the CSL's top scorer, a testament to his abilities. Moreover, he was selected twice for the CSL's best lineup in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, making him a player of significant attention across the league.
Bafflingly, Shandong Luneng never seemed to fully incorporate Leonardo into their long-term plans. When faced with forward line adjustments, they preferred to recall the so-called "70% new little motorbike" from Brazil for "maintenance-style" transfers rather than bringing back Leonardo. Such decisions are perplexing.
Now, with the 2024 season concluded, Leonardo's future with Shandong Luneng remains uncertain, and he has no intention of returning. So where will he go next season?
Currently, Zhejiang FC appears as a potential destination. Leonardo has expressed a strong desire to continue playing for Zhejiang FC, and his performances have been acknowledged. However, salary issues pose a significant barrier between them. Although Zhejiang FC wishes to retain him, their financial capabilities may not be sufficient to meet Leonardo's salary demands, making it unlikely that he will play for them again next season.
Shanghai Port FC has emerged as another hot possibility. With the departures of Oscar and Bargos, the team needs to bolster its attacking force. After journalist Miao Yuan revealed that Leonardo had engaged in talks with Zhejiang but the club showed no interest in keeping him, Shanghai Port's chances increased significantly. They are likely to leverage their substantial financial resources to offer a high salary in pursuit of the season's top scorer to enhance their attacking power.
As for Shandong Luneng, while Leonardo's return currently seems highly improbable, it cannot be entirely ruled out. Under the continued coaching of Choi Kang-hee, his return appears dim. However, if Su Maozhen returns to take on the role of vice president and Chinese coach, and gains control over the team's lineup arrangements and tactical decisions, the hope for Leonardo's return to Luneng might reignite.
For Leonardo, regardless of which club he ultimately chooses, his abilities are undeniable. For Shandong Luneng, their initial significant investment without the expected returns serves as a thought-provoking case in their transfer history. Similarly, for players, on a career path fraught with variables, it is essential to continuously adapt to different environments and seize every possible opportunity.
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