In the 2019 Chinese Super League, a team with a long history, Beijing Guoan, with its forward-looking vision, became the forerunner of the Football Association's player naturalization policy, bringing in two naturalized international players, Hou Yong Yong and Li Ke. However, their performance does not seem to be as bright as expected. Hou Yongyong, the Norwegian soccer genius, joined Guoan but did not get the then coach Schmidt's reuse. Until the Frenchman Genesio took over the team's coaching whip, Hou Yong Yong ushered in the first bright moment in Guoan. But the good times don't last long, an old knee injury made him have to embark on a surgical journey to Norway, this farewell is more than a year.
Hou Yongyong's absence left the team's midfield position vacant, while another naturalized player Li Ke quickly filled the vacancy. Born in Arsenal's youth training camp, Li Ke quickly became the team's main midfielder with his excellent physical ability, and because of his outstanding play in the league, he was selected for the national team and became one of the first batch of naturalized players to represent the national football team to appear on the international stage, together with Ackerson.
But the trickery of fate didn't seem to stop there, as Li Ke also suffered a leg injury during the 2021 season. Although the cause of the injury was unknown, the constant pain prevented him from continuing to train and play. The Guoan team doctors were at their wits' end and Li had to return to the UK for diagnosis and treatment.
In England, Rico's injury was diagnosed and he underwent surgery. During his recovery, he stayed in London for physical recovery and training. Now that Li Ke has recovered from his injury, he is training with the U18 team of his old Premier League rival Arsenal.
Similar to Hou Yongyong's situation, Li Ke's contract expired at the end of last year. However, Guoan club has not given up on the under-30-year-old midfield core. They believe that Li Ke will remain one of the top midfielders in the Chinese Super League if there are no injuries.
As a result, Guoan FC plans to recall Li Ke in the near future. The player is expected to fly back to China from the UK this month to meet up with the Guoan team training in Haikou. At that time, the coaching staff will evaluate Li Ke in all aspects, including his form, ability, and the impact of the leg injury on the future. If Li Ke passes the evaluation, he is expected to extend his new contract with Guoan. However, given the reality of the Chinese Super League and the FA's upcoming new salary restriction policy for the 2023 season, even if Li Ke renews his contract, his annual salary could be significantly reduced from when he joined in 2019. As for whether Li Ke will be able to return to the Chinese Super League for Guoan next season, it will all depend on his physical recovery and whether he and the club can agree on the terms of his contract extension...
