Despite being crowned champions of the Chinese Super League this season, Shanghai Harbour's performance has been quite controversial. Early exits in the FA Cup and the AFC Champions League, and a sudden lack of power in the second half of the league, nearly overtaken by Shandong Taishan, sparked widespread skepticism about the Harbour from many fans and media.
Harbour's coach, Javier, was also targeted. Even if the Harbor Team won the championship, the voice of dismissal has not abated because of the victory. According to Tianjin media reports, it seems that the countdown to Javier's departure has entered. Currently, the Harbour Club has identified a candidate for the new coach, who is Xie Hui, a well-known coach in the Chinese Super League.
Xie Hui, a leading local coach in the Chinese Super League, had suffered relegation due to the Dalian Ren's financial woes and disorganized roster. The Dalian People were rumored to be disbanded and many coaches and players were looking for new owners. Xie Hui was an assistant coach at Harbor, and his rich experience in the Chinese Super League made him a seasoned coach. With financial support from the music department, Xie Hui is expected to take the Harbors to new heights.
The Harbor Club has not only changed coaches, but also made moves in the player market. They have set their sights on the Wuhan Sanzhen team, which could be disbanded next year.
Since the withdrawal of Wuhan Shangwen Group, Wuhan three towns team has been a lack of new investors. Although there is news that E-Tourism Investment may take over, but so far it is still in the stage of intention, and there is no substantial progress. The Wuhan Sports Bureau has taken over the team, but has limited funds to cover the high operating costs, and the first-team players may be sold. Next season, the Sanzhen team may focus on young players, while the Harbor team may take the opportunity to tap the potential of the Sanzhen team.
Seaport are reportedly interested in signing two current international players from the Three Town team - Wei Shihao and Xie Pengfei. Wei Shihao had played for Seaport in 2017 and stood firm in Seaport with his talent and strength. Nowadays, Harbour's main players are getting older and are in dire need of wingers like Wei Shihao to boost their attacking power.
Xie Pengfei is also a popular winger with excellent organizing and assisting skills to create more chances for his teammates. For a striker like Wu Lei, a player like Xie Pengfei is undoubtedly an excellent passing option.
However, Seaport is not the only club interested in these two players. Shandong Taishan and Shanghai Shenhua have also expressed interest. It remains to be seen which team the players will join next January...
