In preparation for the new season, Shandong Taishan is currently undergoing winter training in Shanghai under the leadership of Choi Kang-hee, effectively dispelling rumors of his dismissal. However, for Choi Kang-hee to solidify his position as head coach in the new season, he must achieve results, at the very least securing a championship trophy.
Last season, Shandong Taishan finished fifth in the league and was the runner-up in the FA Cup, resulting in their exclusion from the upcoming season's AFC Champions League. The team's poor performance was attributed to Choi Kang-hee's unsuccessful recruitment strategy. According to previous media reports, Shandong Taishan has taken back the transfer authority from Choi Kang-hee. In this context, the club has successively parted ways with players such as Pato, Marcelo, Liao LiSheng, Tong Lei, and He XiaoKe, with Jia Desong's departure also imminent.
With players leaving, new ones are set to join. Journalist Li PingKang revealed that Shandong Taishan should soon announce three new signings. Among them, two rumored Brazilian foreign players, Madruga and Gazal, have been secured, while the other new addition is a domestic player. All three new signings are under 30 years old, and as long as they pass the upcoming physical examinations, the two Brazilian players will join Shandong Taishan in the new season.
This domestic player is Tang Chuang from Chengdu Rongcheng, a 28-year-old center forward who has already joined Shandong Taishan's winter training. He will serve as a substitute for ZeKa or an important rotational player in the central defender position in the new season. The reason Shandong Taishan has not officially announced Tang Chuang's signing is that his contract with Chengdu Rongcheng expires at the end of this month.
It is well-known that since Moises' departure, Shandong Taishan's midfield has lacked creativity. Madruga's joining will completely change this situation, fully activating Cressang, Kaza, and ZeKa. Notably, the 24-year-old Madruga, who stands at 1.87 meters tall but remains agile, won the Puskás Award for an impressive overhead kick shot from outside the penalty area.
As for the 25-year-old Gazal, he is also promising, standing at 1.88 meters tall and weighing 76 kg, possessing good heading ability and frontal confrontation skills. Last season, he played 34 times for Goianiense Esporte Clube in Brazil's Serie B, scoring one goal and providing two assists as a central defender. Gazal's current market value on Transfermarkt is 700,000 euros.
According to previous media reports, Gazal's move to Shandong Taishan is not a permanent transfer but a loan deal, with a loan fee of approximately $200,000. Shandong Taishan also obtained the priority signing rights. If he performs well this season, Shandong Taishan will prioritize signing this young Brazilian central defender, making this transfer highly cost-effective.
It is worth mentioning that Leonardo has confirmed his move to Shanghai Port. While Shandong Taishan will receive a transfer fee, they have inadvertently provided a formidable weapon to their title rivals, Shanghai Port. This is clearly unfavorable for Shandong Taishan's pursuit of the Chinese Super League and FA Cup championships in the new season. However, the silver lining is that Shandong Taishan will not participate in the next season's AFC Champions League, avoiding multi-front battles, which gives them a scheduling advantage!