On the first day of 2024, there were media reports that the foreign aid policy for the new season in the Chinese Super League (CSL) and the First Division League (A-League) might be adjusted, which would increase the quota of foreign aiders. According to the report, such an adjustment is mainly due to the decline in the quality of the league in recent years and the poor performance recorded by the Chinese Super League.
It is reported that the Chinese Super League foreign aid policy will be changed from the previous "7654 policy" to "7655 policy", that is, each Chinese Super League team registered a total of 7 foreign aid for the whole season, at the same time up to 6 foreign aid registration, the maximum number of foreign aid registration per game 5 foreign aid, at the same time the number of foreign aid increased to five from the previous four. In the First Division, the "4332 policy" will be changed to the "4333 policy", i.e. the number of foreign aiders at the same time will be increased from two to three.
As for the possible changes in the foreign aid policy, many media reports said that it is a "double-edged sword" and the discussion still focuses on whether the foreign aid policy will affect the living space of local players to improve the quality of the league. However, if we consider this issue from Shanghai's point of view, we may need to change our mind...
The two Chinese Super League teams in Shencheng have become "big international players" in recent years. A large number of players have been called up for national matches at all age groups. When the team suffers a "manpower shortage", more local players are entrusted with important tasks. Therefore, the two Shanghai teams don't have too many problems with the survival space of domestic players.
More importantly, in terms of the "quality" of the foreigners themselves, Shanghai Port and Shanghai Shenhua, last season's Chinese Super League and FA Cup champions, have not submitted an answer that would satisfy the outside world and the fans. For Shanghai Shenhua, the most successful signing last season was probably Amadou. In addition, Malalele's "happy soccer" has left fans feeling helpless. Bassogao has been injured more often with age, and Teixeira has been put out of the team's regular rotation.
The team ranked in the top three of the Chinese Super League for a long time last season, and eventually won the FA Cup, mainly due to the contribution of local players. The goals scored by the "monkey brothers" Yu Hanchao and Jiang Shenglong in the Premier League this season can be said to be every bit as "valuable", with the former leading Shenhua directly to the FA Cup title and the 34-year-old Cao Yunding showing unrivaled control once he appeared on the scene.
At Shanghai Port, Issa Caron, Pinko and Vargas have not been able to establish themselves in the team, while Lucas João was excellent in the middle of the season, but became "invisible" after scoring three goals and one assist in the first seven games.
Oscar remains the team's most consistent and effective performer, with the "Little Golden Man" contributing 9 goals and 13 assists last season. As the centerpiece of the team's most relied upon midfield, Oscar has undoubtedly become the model for foreigners in the Chinese Super League. I don't know if Shanghai Port will continue to work with Oscar, but at least the team knows that this type of player can bring substantial help to the team.
Looking at the signings of the Shanghai duo since 2020, whether it's Fidel Martinez, Bolaños, or Dumbya of Shanghai Shenhua, or Lopez, Ndiaye, or Pinko of Shanghai Port, there's always been a surprisingly cost-effective foreign aid. After realizing that they can't fit into the team, they are often criticized by the fans as "tasteless and unfortunate".
Therefore, for Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai Port, although subject to foreign players 3 million euros before tax restrictions, but also can not hope to "scratch the lottery" luck to introduce foreign aid, more need to do more homework, a comprehensive understanding of the decision, otherwise even if half of the team of foreign aid, but also just a waste of the quota...
With 2024 approaching, Shenhua and Harbour are entering a critical time frame in their preparations for the new season. Will they be able to remain champions in next year's league and FA Cup, and will they be able to regain a place in the AFC Champions League for the Chinese Super League? This is indeed a topic worth studying for the Shanghai duo.
