Setien is currently the most prominent head coach in the Chinese Super League. He has coached teams such as Barcelona, Villarreal, Real Betis, and Las Palmas in La Liga. Beijing Guoan hopes to make progress under this renowned coach. Last season, Guoan finished fourth in the Chinese Super League, a decent result, but the head coach, Suarez, was let go. It is clear that Guoan has bigger ambitions for next season, aiming to compete for the championship. Setien has taken office with three major initiatives! The latest adjustments at Guoan include renewing contracts with six players and releasing five, while Yu Dabao retires.
On December 31st, Beijing time, Guoan officially announced that they have completed contract renewals with Zhang Xizhe, Wang Gang, Chi Zhongguo, and Cao Yongjing. By renewing their contracts, Guoan has sent a signal that these players will continue to play for the team in the new season, and they are still counted on by the club.
Zhang Xizhe is currently 33 years old and played 21 games last season, scoring 2 goals and providing 6 assists. Despite his age, Zhang's awareness and footwork remain strong, making him the midfield engine of Guoan. His passing ability is a key weapon for Guoan to break through the opponent's defense. Wang Gang plays as a right-back and, at 35, still possesses vitality, running back and forth on the right flank to provide impetus for Guoan. Chi Zhongguo, who is the same age as Wang Gang, is a defensive midfielder known as the "Chinese Kante" in the CSL.
Cao Yongjing is 27 years old and in his prime. Last season, he scored 8 goals and provided 3 assists for Guoan, earning a spot in the national team and making two appearances with commendable performances. According to authoritative domestic media, "Beijing Youth Daily," Guoan has renewed Zhang Xizhe's contract until 2026 and Wang Gang and Chi Zhongguo's contracts until 2025. It is also understood that Guoan has completed renewals with Bai Yang and Nabei Jiang, with Cao Yongjing's contract ending in 2029.
The "Beijing Youth Daily" further revealed that Yu Dabao, Zhang Chengdong, and Li Ke all left the team after their contracts expired. Among foreign players, Mamadou and Adebenro will also depart, with Mamadou not lacking buyers in the Chinese league and likely to stay in the Chinese league next season. Yu Dabao is 36 years old and has played 229 games for Guoan, scoring 28 goals and providing 21 assists. He can play both as a forward and a center-back, making him a meritorious player for Guoan.
Unfortunately, Guoan has not won many championships in recent years, and Yu Dabao only has one FA Cup title with Guoan. After leaving the first team of Guoan, Yu Dabao retired and became a coach at the youth training academy. Naturalized player Li Ke is currently 31 years old, and his future has sparked speculation from the outside world. After new coach Setien made adjustments to the current squad, Guoan will also bring in new signings. What do you think will be Guoan's ranking in the Chinese Super League next season?