Currently, transfer news from various Chinese Super League clubs is continuous, with the championship contenders receiving the most attention. Some teams have experienced significant player turnover during this "winter window," including Shandong Taishan, who have seen players depart from all three lines, including key players such as national team members Liao LiSheng and Tong Lei. Additionally, two foreign players, Marcelo and Jadson, have left the team, indicating that Shandong Taishan will welcome a new lineup for the 2025 season. One of the tasks for coach Choi Kang-hee's coaching staff is to rebuild the team.
However, after Shandong Taishan traveled to Shanghai for winter training, it was discovered that the team only had 19 players, making it impossible to organize even an internal match. Initially, the focus was on physical recovery and preparation, not involving too many tactical aspects. As time progressed, Wakoko and Zeeka returned, along with Crescendo, confirming that the three foreign players would stay, which also refuted rumors of their departure.
To maintain the attacking power in midfield and forward positions, Shandong Taishan can rise again. Attention has shifted to the other two spots, with reports suggesting that Lucas from Brazil and DeRuga, a product of the youth training system, are likely to join. The former is more probable, while the latter still has uncertain factors, and Choi Kang-hee's coaching staff's opinion will play a decisive role.
In terms of domestic signings, there were previous reports that Tang Chuang, who played for Chengdu Rongcheng, the third-place finisher in the Chinese Super League, was on trial. Although there was hope that Shandong Taishan would make a successful signing, unfortunately, the latest news indicates that Tang Chuang has left the team. It is clear that the 1.9-meter-tall center did not meet Choi Kang-hee's requirements. Considering the upcoming debut of the new season, it is not ruled out that Shandong Taishan will not make any new signings in domestic transfers. Moreover, the coaching staff has selected six young talents from the reserve team. If no new signings are made, it could actually provide more opportunities for young players, hoping to see the emergence of talented youngsters like Chen Pu.
Currently, many clubs have started their warm-up plans. Although Shandong Taishan is still in internal training, they also have a need for warm-up matches. The main reason is that they are the only club training in Shanghai at the moment. After Shanghai Greenland Shenhua and Shanghai Port return from their training camps, Shandong Taishan is expected to face the Chinese Super League champions and runners-up in succession to test their new lineup. At the same time, it is also an opportunity to gauge each other's updated player structures.