On the spring-like March 22, heavy news came out from the soccer circle that Liao Lisheng, a 28-year-old international footballer and former midfield core of Guangzhou, officially joined Chinese Super League (CSL) juggernaut Shandong Taishan. A reporter from Beijing Youth Daily revealed that Liao's contract is for five years. All indications are that Taishan's introduction of Liao may have something to do with the imminent departure of Xu Xin, last season's star back-rower.
Rumors about Liao Lixin joining Taishan have been abuzz as early as around the Spring Festival. It is reported that the news of Xu Xin's departure is not a secret, and Taishan is in urgent need of a suitable successor in the back position. Liao Lixiang, who is in his prime, with his excellent technical ability, naturally became the primary target of Taishan's reinforcement.
Liao's former owner Guangzhou's contract expired at the end of last year, while Taishan, as one of the few clubs in the Chinese Super League that operates stably and does not owe wages, is quite attractive to Liao. The transfer is a win-win situation for both sides. It is reported that the two sides have signed a five-year long-term contract.
However, it is worth noting that, compared with the tough style of Xu Xin, Liao Lixiang in the physical confrontation is not superior, good at foot technology, whether he can become the mainstay of the Taishan team in the new season, but also the head coach Hao Wei's further investigation. Currently, Liao is with the Chinese national men's soccer team in the United Arab Emirates for the upcoming round 9 of the 12 strong match with Saudi Arabia to make full preparation.
