After entering January, the Chinese Super League teams have embarked on their winter training journey in a flurry, which is a crucial period for accumulating energy and refining tactics for the new season. Amidst this wave of winter training, many new signings have made their debuts on the training ground, becoming the focus of attention, including Tang Chuang, the domestic tall striker who played for Chengdu Rongcheng last season.
Last season, Tang Chuang's performance in the Chinese Super League was nothing short of spectacular. Despite not being an undisputed starter for the team, he managed to score 3 goals through his relentless efforts and outstanding displays. In the competitive Chinese Super League, every goal is hard-won. For example, in a key match against a strong opponent, Tang Chuang came off the bench and, with his excellent heading ability, scored the equalizing goal in the dying moments of the game, earning valuable points for the team.
However, after the end of last season, Tang Chuang, whose contract had expired, resolutely rejected the offer to renew with Rongcheng Club. His intentions were clear: to join Shandong Taishan in search of broader development opportunities and more playing time. Earlier this week, Tang Chuang was spotted in Shanghai, dazzlingly appearing in Taishan's jersey. His tall figure and confident demeanor filled many Shandong fans with anticipation.
From a technical standpoint, as a tall striker, Tang Chuang possesses remarkable heading and physical combat abilities, which seem to perfectly align with head coach Cui Kangxi's emphasis on aerial bombardment and physical confrontation. Many believed that his arrival was intended to replace Bi Jinhao. Although he might not be an absolute starter within the team, he would at least be an important rotational player, capable of providing tactical variations and offensive firepower in critical moments.
Just as everyone was joyfully convinced that Tang Chuang's move to Shandong Taishan was a done deal, and even began to envision him conquering fortresses for the team in the new season, Shandong media suddenly broke a surprising news. According to detailed reports, Tang Chuang failed to meet the team's expectations during the trial, resulting in a failed trial and ultimately making it highly unlikely for him to join Shandong Taishan. This news was like a bombshell, causing an uproar among fans, who expressed disbelief and deep regret.
A thorough analysis of Tang Chuang's career reveals that he is not a product of traditional football academies. He first gained recognition in university leagues, leveraging his extraordinary talent and remarkable performances to embark on a professional league journey. Before joining Chengdu Rongcheng, he spent a long time in the China League One and Two, accumulating experience and honing his skills. It was only after Chengdu Rongcheng fought their way into the Chinese Super League that he truly began to compete in the top-flight. Compared to Bi Jinhao, who has rich experience and a deep league background, Tang Chuang is clearly at a disadvantage.
After a series of rigorous trials, the demanding South Korean head coach Cui Kangxi, after careful consideration, concluded that Tang Chuang's practical effects did not meet expectations. His technical characteristics and tactical execution did not conform to the meticulously constructed tactical system of Taishan, thus he had to reluctantly reject his joining.
This turn of events caught many fans by surprise. The domestic tall striker arrived at Taishan with great enthusiasm and hope, expecting to open a new chapter in his career, only to face the awkward situation of being let go.
The reasons for not joining Shandong Taishan are multifaceted. Besides not standing out enough among many players, it is rumored that there are irreconcilable conflicts between Tang Chuang and Cui Kangxi. In the world of professional football, coaches often prefer to trust and rely on players they are familiar with and recognize. As a player not from Cui Kangxi's inner circle, Tang Chuang naturally found it difficult to gain the coach's special favor, and being returned by Taishan became an inevitable outcome. Similar to many historical cases, new members who cannot quickly integrate into the core system are often marginalized or eliminated. This phenomenon is not uncommon in the field of football or various team collaborations throughout society.
Last season was a bumpy and disappointing journey for Cui Kangxi and Taishan. Cui Kangxi led Taishan to fight hard in the Chinese Super League, but the results were unsatisfactory. In fierce competitions, Taishan failed to demonstrate the expected dominance and stability, missing out on the championship trophy. Moreover, in the FA Cup campaign, Taishan encountered numerous difficulties, repeatedly missing key opportunities, and ultimately failed to win the trophy. As a result, the team ended the season with nothing to show for it, even failing to secure the precious qualification to participate in the AFC Champions League.
This poor performance significantly reduced Cui Kangxi's standing in the eyes of the club's upper management, losing their trust. In such a competitive football world, results speak volumes. If it weren't for the high liquidated damages stipulated in the original contract, Taishan might have parted ways with Cui Kangxi without hesitation, seeking a new coach to lead the team out of difficulties.
In this challenging situation, the club's upper management became cautious towards Cui Kangxi, unwilling to grant him significant transfer power. And Tang Chuang unfortunately became a victim of this complex contradictory relationship. He, who was full of expectations to showcase his skills at Taishan, saw his dreams shattered instantly.
For Tang Chuang, this was undoubtedly a heavy blow. His career plan was disrupted by an unexpected turn of events, and the disappointment and frustration in his heart are imaginable. However, fate seemed not to have completely closed the door on him. Fortunately, after being returned by Taishan, his former club Chengdu Rongcheng showed great sincerity. This Chinese Super League powerhouse, which once fought alongside Tang Chuang, extended an olive branch to him again. Faced with the deep affection and sincere invitation from his old club, it is believed that Tang Chuang will not refuse. After all, there he finds a familiar environment, familiar teammates, and cherished memories of chasing dreams together. It is believed that Tang Chuang will seize this opportunity to prove his strength and value once again in the Chinese Super League.
Besides Tang Chuang, Delgado, the naturalized forward who has successfully turned into a domestic player this year, is also set to leave Shandong Taishan. Despite recently renewing a two-year contract with the club, surprisingly, Delgado is not part of Cui Kangxi's carefully planned team-building strategy.
For the new season, considering the overall strategic considerations of the team, he will be loaned to Chengdu Rongcheng. As the FA Cup Golden Boot winner for Taishan in the 2022 season, Delgado's personal abilities are unquestionable. His excellent attacking skills, keen sense in front of the goal, and powerful scoring ability have left a deep impression on fans.
Delgado's addition will undoubtedly inject a powerful impetus into Chengdu Rongcheng's front-line attack. His arrival will not only enrich the team's offensive tactics but also create a good chemical reaction with other attackers in the squad, further enhancing the team's overall offensive efficiency.
It is believed that Chengdu Rongcheng, with its strong lineup, will undoubtedly perform even better in the new season. With the continuous optimization of the team roster and the gradual enhancement of strength, the club's seasonal goals will also rise accordingly. In the past, competing for AFC Champions League qualification might have been satisfying, but now, it no longer meets their growing ambitions and pursuits. Launching a strong challenge for the Chinese Super League title will be their ultimate goal in the new season.
Looking back at football history, many teams have achieved leaps in strength and goals after welcoming key player signings. For instance, Guangzhou Evergrande once rose rapidly and won multiple Chinese Super League titles after bringing in a batch of strong domestic and foreign aid. Now, Chengdu Rongcheng, with the assistance of Delgado and other strong reinforcements, may also write its own glorious chapter.