According to the latest news from domestic media, 27-year-old naturalized national player Hou Yongyong will end his overseas career. At present, he has signed with Yunnan Yulong, a newly promoted team in the Chinese Super League (CSL), and rejected the contract offered by Rosenborg, a top club in the Norwegian Eliteserien.
Last season, Hou Yongyong made a big splash in the Norwegian First Division (Norwegian second-tier league), scoring 19 goals and providing 8 assists in 29 appearances, winning the top scorer and league MVP awards. With such impressive performances, Hou Yongyong also earned recognition from Ivan.
Recently, Hou Yongyong finally received a call-up to the national team, which is also his first selection for the national football team list. Currently, Hou Yongyong is training with the national team in Haikou. However, after completing the training camp, Hou Yongyong will not return to Europe to play football.
The "Football" newspaper confirmed that Hou Yongyong signed with Yunnan Yulong last night. In the new season, Hou Yongyong will compete in the CSL. Three days later, Hou Yongyong will report to Yunnan Yulong. Currently, Hou Yongyong's market value on Transfermarkt is 400,000 euros.
Norwegian media revealed today that Rosenborg, a top club in the Norwegian Eliteserien, is very interested in Hou Yongyong and has made an offer to him. However, Lanheim, Hou Yongyong's current club, ultimately accepted the offer from Yunnan Yulong.
Many fans and media people expressed regret over Hou Yongyong's decision to reject the top Norwegian club and return to play in the CSL. Journalist Li Xuan said, "Although I want to respect the player's personal choice, I still think it's a pity to end his overseas career." Previously, Li Xuan had hoped that Hou Yongyong could stay abroad: "Regardless of whether Hou Yongyong can be heavily used in the national team, I hope he can continue playing in Europe and not return to play in the Chinese league."
Media personality Miao Yuan jokingly commented on Hou Yongyong: "Hou Yongyong is really going to play in the top league now." After being selected for the national team, Hou Yongyong recently said that he wanted to join a top league team during the winter transfer window.
Hou Yongyong played for Beijing Guoan for four years from January 2019 to February 2023. His current contract with Lanheim was originally set to expire at the end of December 2025.