Having made very few appearances in the Chinese Super League last season, Zhang Yu appeared to be a dispensable center back for Changchun Yatai. Faced with a turning point in his career, Zhang Yu has had to revisit his plans and embark on a journey to find a new home team. Recently, he had gone to Dalian for a trial, news that many fans were eagerly awaiting. Given Dalian's shortage of center backs, Zhang Yu's arrival would undoubtedly serve to strengthen the squad. However, it seems that the center back's lack of systematic training and matches has prevented him from showing his strengths during his trial with Dalian. After a thorough evaluation, Dalian manager Xie Hui concluded that Zhang Yu did not meet the team's requirements.
As a result, Zhang Yu failed to become a member of the Dalian team, and he had to turn to Central League One side Qingdao Qingdao Youth Island for a new opportunity. Zhang Yu was in his prime but had to face the reality of being relegated to the Central League, a fact that saddened many Guoan fans. Guoan fans believe that if Zhang Yu had stayed with the team, he would probably have taken up a starting position by now. After all, the two local center backs, Yu Dabao and Yu Yang, have aged well, and the team is facing a talent gap in this position, with the need for a mid-generation player like Zhang Yu to step up. Therefore, if Zhang Yu can stay in the team, he has a good chance to make a comeback and become a starter at Guoan. I wish Zhang Yu will be able to show his talent in his new home and realize his dream of returning to Guoan.
