For several years, the naturalization strategy of the Chinese men's soccer team has been implemented, but the results have not been significant. Although naturalized players such as Allan, Ekerson, Luo Guofu and Jiang Guangtai have energized the National Olympics, the change has been minimal. Li Tie and Chen Xuyuan do not seem to be utilizing their strengths in their hiring strategies. Entering 2023, most of these naturalized players are getting old, and the 2024 Asian Cup may be the curtain call for their careers, with Luo Guofu already planning his retirement.
However, there are many disappointing cases among naturalized players. The trio of Fernando, Xiao Tao Tao and Hou Yong Yong were originally regarded as the hope of the national soccer team, but the reality is far from their initial expectations. Fernando was once the most combative naturalized player, but due to high salaries, he returned to the Chinese Super League as late as 2023, joining the Taishan team, and was jokingly described as "having spent all his money". Xiao Tao Tao's individual ability and talent are not good, even difficult to play well on the field. Hou Yongyong, on the other hand, is arguably the most regrettable one.
Hou Yongyong, 25, was a talented Norwegian teenager who became a member of the national football team as a naturalized Chinese. Unfortunately, he has not been able to continue the glory of the same name of Ödgård. As he grew older, Hou Yongyong's health deteriorated and he suffered from frequent injuries. After naturalization, he became the "glass man" of Beijing Guoan, with a very low attendance rate.
Hou Yongyong joined Guoan in the 2019 season, completing the naturalization process for a transfer fee of €1 million. However, in three seasons, he only played 28 games for Guoan, scoring four goals and contributing one assist. Guoan club executives could not tolerate the long-term injury problems and released him in early 2023. After the end of his contract, Hou Yong Yong returned to Europe as a free agent, joining Norwegian side Langheim. Previously, he played for Langheim in the 2016/17 season, when he performed well, scoring three goals in nine games. This time, Hou has once again been trusted to wear the No. 10 jersey and become the centerpiece of the team's midfield.
On April 11, the first round of the Norwegian First Division kicked off with Houyon making his debut back in Europe. After a good start, Langheim beat Sheff 2-1 on the road and gained 3 points in the first round. In the match, Langheim had 57% of the possession and a 2-1 lead in shots on goal. Both teams converted 100% of their shots and the final score was set at 2-1. Solly won the MVP with a 2 goal performance and Samuel Pedro equalized for Sheff in the 74th minute of the game.
Hou Yongyong came on as a substitute in the 74th minute of the match but remained vulnerable. He played for only 12 minutes before leaving the game due to injury. Given Hou Yongyong's physical condition, it is more difficult for him to realize his talent, and it is unlikely that he will enter the national football team. His career prospects are not optimistic.
