In 2019, a sudden turn of events shook Tianjin Quanjian into a new name, Tianjin Tianhai, embarking on a difficult journey to relegation in the Chinese Super League.In 2020, Tianjin Tianhai announced its dissolution, with the players going their separate ways and joining other teams as free agents.
Six years later, let's trace the players who had their first taste of victory for Tianjin Quanjian in the group stage of the AFC Champions League, where are they today?
Free agent Zhang Lu was taken away by the police for investigation due to his involvement in the Li Tie case.At the beginning of 2023, Sun Ke and Wang Yongpei said goodbye to Shenzhen and became free agents, while Mi Haolun won the title with the help of Shaanxi Chang'an United. Zheng Dalun chose to stay in Shenzhen and continue to fight in the Chinese Super League last season, and his whereabouts are still unknown after the team disbanded.
Heading into 2023, Zhang Cheng has joined Chinese Championship side Xi'an Ronghai, while Su Yuanjie plays for Tianjin Jinmen Tigers. At the beginning of the year, Dalian striker Yang Xu retired from Shenhua to devote himself to training in youth soccer.
Zhao Xuri, who played for Chinese League One side Guangxi Pingguo last season, is now a free agent and Liu Yiming of Chinese Super League side Wuhan Sanzhen is his new owner.
One-time AC Milan star Pato has just departed from Sao Paulo as a free agent. Belgian midfielder Witsel is playing for Atletico Madrid in La Liga, while French striker Modeste is showing his class for Egypt's Cairo side. Kwon Kyung-won has just departed from Japanese side Gamba Osaka and returned to South Korea to join K-League side Suwon.
