The power gap between teams in the country's top soccer league is becoming smaller and smaller, with the possible exception of Shanghai Seaport. Shanghai Seaport has some powerful players such as Oscar, Wu Lei, Jiang Guangtai, Vargas, Pinko and Paulinho, making their overall strength at least one level higher than other Chinese Super League teams. As long as they can gel well, winning the title will not be too difficult. The competition among the other 15 Super League teams is fierce. Shanghai Shenhua, Chengdu Rongcheng, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, Changchun Yatai, Beijing Guoan, Shandong Taishan and Wuhan Sanzhen are in the top three on the table because the top three will qualify for the Asian competition.
The relegation competition was fierce, with Dalian, Qingdao Hainiu, Nantong Zhiyun, Meizhou Hakka and Shenzhen all having poor results. Dalian only achieved a record of 1 win, 4 draws and 7 losses with only 7 points, becoming the vice class leader. Qingdao Hainiu, a newly promoted team, only achieved a record of 2 wins, 2 draws and 8 losses, gaining only 8 points, and is in the relegation zone, ranking the second last. Nantong Zhiyun and Meizhou Hakka both got only 9 points, while Shenzhen got 11 points. Obviously, five teams have become relegation favorites, with Qingdao and Dalian under great pressure to stay in the game.
As the summer window is about to open, Qingdao took the lead in deciding to make adjustments and go all out for relegation. According to the well-known domestic media, Soccer Daily, Qingdao added international soccer midfielder Zhang Xiuwei, Taishan double star Song Long and Duan Liuyu. Qingdao media also confirmed this. Zhang Xiuwei is now in the Qingdao squad and is set to take part in training in July; Qingdao are understood to have recruited a little late as they missed the best time to sign a naturalized thug. Previously, they contacted a naturalized striker, but Qingdao chose to give up because the other team's asking price was too high.
Apparently, Qingdao contacted the naturalized players with insufficient signing funds. Now, they have secured 20 million in related support funds, which arrived in June, and this has directly contributed to the current transfer operation. Zhang Xiuwei's first signing was arguably a very smooth one. 27-year-old Zhang Xiuwei stayed at Lyon and was dubbed the Chinese Magic Flute. Upon his return to China, he had heavy experience with both the national soccer team and Guangzhou. Unfortunately, his growth did not meet expectations. He regained his freedom in early 2023, but missed the winter transfer window. Now, Qingdao and Zhang Xiuwei signed a contract soon after.
Qingdao team won Zhang Xiuwei, also completed the work of Taishan double star, because Taishan team in the second half of dealing with the FA Cup, the Champions League, the Chinese Super League three matches, the game will be very intensive, the thickness of the lineup requirements are very high, Qingdao team can be successful in adding Song Long and Duan Liuyu, completely depending on the face of the Taishan team's coach, Choi Kang-hee, only Choi Kang-hee nodded his head, Duan Liuyu and Song Long can be signed to Qingdao team. From the recent employment situation, Choi Kang-hee has no idea to reuse Song Long and Duan Liuyu for the time being. They have failed to start several times in a row, which means they may actively push for a transfer to get Choi Kang-hee's nod to release them. The transfer will most likely be by way of a rental.
According to the Peninsula Metropolis Daily, Qingdao brought in Zhang Xiuwei because he is in his prime age at 27 years old and just needs to regain his game form, he will be the core of Qingdao's midfield. Song Long and Duan Liuyu want to change teams, and Taishan clubs also hope to successfully complete their transfers, the only thing missing is Cui Kangxi's statement. According to media reports, Song Long and Duan Liuyu are most likely to join Qingdao in the near future. After a reinforcement, Qingdao is expected to bounce back and get out of the relegation zone in the coming games.
