In the just-opened
China Super League (soccer league)
The season has been a mixed bag for many teams. Many teams have been able to keep fighting on the field in order to cope with the pressure of salary arrears, which in itself is already a symbol of victory. Hit by financial woes, traditional powerhouses such as Guangzhou and Shenhua have made it clear that they can only play with a full Chinese squad. However, as the four promoted teams, they have recruited five foreign aiders, and their strength has surpassed that of many full Chinese teams.
Taking last year's Central League champions Wuhan Sanzhen as an example, they signed three foreigners during the transfer window, Stanchou, Wallace and Davidson, plus Malcolm and Edmilson who stayed behind last year, the lineup of five foreigners has arrived in full. Among them, the Romanian international Stanchu with a price of 4 million euros to become the new king of this year's transfer. In terms of internal reinforcements, Liu Dianzuo and other international players will also join, Wuhan three towns in the transfer window of the total investment has been close to 6 million euros, to become one of the most invested in the Chinese Super League team.
Similarly, last year's Central League runners-up, Meizhou Hakka, have invested just a few hundred thousand euros in reinforcements, but most of the team's new recruits have joined on free transfers. In terms of foreign aid, they have signed Vukanovic, Dugalic, Kosovic and Rodrigo, plus the retained striker Gison, the five foreign aid lineup is also in place. In terms of internal reinforcements, the joining of strong players such as Li Shuai, Liao Junjian, Yang Chaochao, Chen Zhechao, Wang Wei, Yang Yilin and Yin Hongbo ensured that the team's relegation is not a concern.
Chengdu, another promoted team with strong financial resources, has brought in two new foreigners from the K-League, Dang-woo Kim and Wendy Bichler, while three Brazilian foreigners, Romulo, Felipe and Jonathan, will remain with the team. In terms of internal reinforcements, the addition of players such as Hu Ruibao, Gan Chao, Zhou Dingyang and Haimiti has also injected fresh blood into the team.
The last promoted team, Zhejiang, has signed two foreigners, Evolo and Lucas, while last season's three foreigners, Mu Xiekui, Matthews and Frank, continue to stay in the team. In terms of internal reinforcements, Rong Hao and Zhang Jiaqi, two former international players joined the team, although the investment is not much, but each position is very practical.
In contrast, numerous traditional powerhouse teams are in trouble. The financial crisis is one aspect, and even some teams have been caught up in official disputes by
soccer league
Banning reinforcements, internal and external difficulties. Perhaps these four promoted teams will rise above the rest in the new season and become representatives of the dark horse comeback.
