The three Chinese Super League teams participating in the AFC Champions League are in a relatively clear position. Shandong Taishan took the initiative. Zhejiang still has a chance in the last round, and Wuhan Sanzhen is unfortunately out early. After Taishan sent away Moises and Fellaini, Brazilian foreign aid Pato also left, the team will make big adjustments next year. The first foreigner has confirmed that Brazilian center forward Zeca will join Pohang Steelers in the K-League. He himself retweeted his transfer news on social media and will definitely join Shandong Taishan.
Zeca is versatile as a senior center, no surprise there. He will be in place for Shandong Taishan's winter training in January, with plenty of time to gel. The signing was chosen by Choi Kang-hee himself, not just because of his heading ability, but because he played well in the AFC Champions League. Three goals and three assists in four games. As a manager who won the AFC Champions League, he is not willing to achieve something in the Chinese Super League and is not satisfied with getting out of the group in the AFC Champions League. Choi Kang-hee's ambition is the group stage of the AFC Champions League next year.
Leonardo, a rental boot off the Taishan team, scored again in the AFC Champions League. Zeca + Leonardo, with their complementary styles, seem to be recallable. They teamed up with Cressan to form an offensively efficient trident. However, there is no hope for Leonardo's return considering many aspects. First and foremost, there is the issue of funding. Leonardo is not short of his next home, at least in exchange for a $3 million transfer fee. There are many areas where Tarzan needs to strengthen next year. The funds are not very abundant, so we can only sell one and introduce one.
On the other hand, after Zhejiang beat Buriram United 3-2, the two teams had a heated clash. Leonardo stood up for his teammates and had a hard time escaping his ban, which not only affected Zhejiang's last AFC Champions League match. If Shandong Taishan reach the knockout stage and recall Leonardo, they must first enforce their AFC Champions League ban. Shandong Taishan will have fewer foreigners playing in the knockout rounds next February, so Leonardo won't be returning to Taishan and won't fit in with Taishan's tactical play.
Pato left early due to injury. His performance was mediocre. He was the foreign striker who was signed to replace him for the time being. Shandong Taishan needed to replace three foreigners, basically the opposite of each other. Jadson and Kressan left two foreigners behind, and Zeca replaced Fellaini. Another foreigner from the K-League, Kaza, is also likely to join. He can play up front and on the wing to give the offense more options. There is also a Korean back. Shandong Taishan need to compete with other teams.
The final round of Shandong Taishan to face Yokohama Mariners, Fellaini and Moises were released early, indicating that Choi Kang-hee is full of confidence, it is difficult to win the game, but it is not a problem not to participate in the worship. Since Fellaini's decision to leave, Shandong Taishan has been looking for foreign aid. There is still some time until the next game. A few years ago, the Chinese Super League team took the initiative in the AFC Champions League. Cui Kangxi brought some changes to Taishan and the Chinese Super League. Next year, the team will have the strength to compete for the title and internal reinforcements will be actively introduced.
