As a Chinese Super League veteran team, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers (formerly Tianjin Teda) have had quite a rough experience in recent years. in the 2021 season, the Tianjin team was almost disbanded due to the withdrawal of the TEDA Group. With the support of the relevant authorities, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers turned around and completed the relegation task with great difficulty under the leadership of Gen Wei.
Last season, Tianjin's performance in the league was impressive as they not only completed their relegation mission, but also ended up finishing eighth in the league.
Tianjin performed so well last season, in addition to coach Yu Genwei's coaching, but also has a lot to do with the club's introduction of a number of strong supporters for the team.
Last season, midfielder Wang Qiuming, who returned to Tianjin from Hebei, was the best player in the team. He played well on both the offensive and defensive ends. On the defensive end, he ranked second on the team in successful interceptions, and on the offensive end, he had four goals and one assist.
Another new player, Tian Yinong, also performed well in the midfield position, and his double midfield combination with Merida became a barrier in front of the team's backline.
In addition, Yang Fan and Zhang Wei, who are on loan from Beijing Guoan and Shanghai Port, also play an important role in the team's defense. Yang Fan, who returned to Tianjin from Beijing, was the team's main center back last season and his overall performance was commendable.
Although Zhang Wei was not the absolute starter of the team, he also played well at the left back position. He only made 7 appearances and contributed 2 assists to the team, which was quite efficient.
At the end of last season, Yang Fan and Zhang Wei returned to their home teams Beijing Guoan and Shanghai Port after their loan periods expired. Due to the outstanding performance of these two players in the league, the Zimmen Tigers club also hopes to retain them in the new season.
Currently, Yang Fan and Zhang Wei have one more year of contract with Guoan and Harbor Club. In terms of age, ability and position in the team, Zhang Wei is more likely to stay in Tianjin next season. After all, there is no place for him in the Harbor team at all. Joining Tianjin will be more favorable to his future development.
Yang Fan's situation is different, the 26-year-old is now in his playing years, and Guoan's seriously aging backline is in need of a fighting player like Yang Fan.
However, since joining Guoan in the 2020 season, Yang Fan has never played as well in Tianjin. Several coaches at Guoan gave Yang Fan a lot of chances, but his performances simply fell short of expectations. Now, maybe Yang Fan's characteristics are more suitable for Tianjin.
From this perspective, Zimmen Tigers are likely to keep Yang Fan next season. As for whether to renew his lease or buy out his contract directly, it depends on the communication between Jinmen Tigers and Guoan. In recent years, the relationship between Guoan and Tianjin is quite good. It is believed that if Zimmen Tigers show enough sincerity, Guoan will not force to keep Yang Fan.
Judging from the current situation, the player lineup of Tianjin Tigers will be relatively stable in the new season. If the club equips these local players with two powerful foreign strikers, I believe Tianjin will not perform poorly next season ......
