The league preparations, which were scheduled to start on December 5, had to be postponed to 10 days later, on December 15, due to the need to prepare for the new tournament. At this point, preparations for the new season were in full swing. Beijing Guoan encountered a series of challenges in the preparation process, such as foreign aid disputes, salary arrears and other thorny issues. Fortunately, the National Security Department has successfully resolved these challenges and passed the relevant tests. With the preparations completed, Guoan will officially start the new season, and the first task is the signing and renewal of players' contracts.
In terms of economic strength, Guoan is slightly less than teams like Shenhua and Harbor, so it faces a huge challenge in terms of renewing contracts or attracting reinforcements. Since general manager Li Ming took office, the difficulty of the winter transfer window has undoubtedly reached unprecedented heights. Zhang Yuning, Yang Liyu and Gao Tianyi are the three main players whose contracts are expiring, and the possibility of Guoan retaining them is slim to none. Zhang Yuning is irreplaceable as the team's main center forward, while Cao Yongjing and Zhang Yuan are expected to move up.
During the last season, Zhang Yuning played only a handful of games due to injuries and his social status slipped as a result. However, national team coach Jankovic still recognized him. Zhang Yuning's return forced Jankovic to give up on Eckerson, and a contract extension seems to be in the air, just waiting to happen. With Gao Tianyi seemingly ready to leave and his chances of playing drastically reduced with the introduction of a foreigner in the Guoan midfield, the likelihood of the two sides going their separate ways is increasing. They were originally free to join, and now the choice to leave is not a bad one.
The direction of Guoan's reinforcements is also clear. An international center back will be the new member of the team. Whether it's Park Yang or Zhang Chengdong, it's difficult to build a solid backline with Ngaardew. In the middle of last season, Guoan competed with Shenhua for Dai Weijun, but ultimately failed. This season, Guoan is once again going head-to-head with Shenhua, and Lin Liangming has become a target for many teams. Both teams may give Lin Liangming a chance to start, but Shenhua's ability to play in the AFC Champions League is certainly a major advantage. Dai Weijun is also actively recruiting Lin Liangming. In terms of foreigners, Ngadeu, Kang Sang-woo and Abreu will remain in the team, while Adebenelo and Daburo are facing contract issues. Deal with these two players before considering bringing in new foreigners. Winger and midfielder are the team's main attraction targets. Currently, Guoan is the second most attractive team in the Chinese Super League, while Hong Kong, Shenhua and Taishan are stable forces at the AFC Champions League level. In the new season, Guoan may go through a short period of pain.
At the end of the season, Guoan suffered economic difficulties, but after many efforts, the team gradually stabilized. After all, as a traditional powerhouse in the Chinese Super League, survival is not the problem, the key lies in the team's future positioning. Unfortunately, the team failed to achieve its goal of entering the AFC Champions League last season, and its goal for the new season will not be too conservative. The team has a lineup of mid-generation players such as Fang Hao, Zhang Yuan, and Zhang Yuning, which will be a source of hope for the new season. Suarez head coach has a certain say in the introduction of foreign aid, and the strength of foreign aid will also determine the ceiling of Guoan in the new season.
