As the end of the year contract approaches, Shandong Taishan's intention to extend the naturalized player's contract is vague. He has been with the team for five years and, as a rule, he will vacate a slot for a non-blood naturalized player next year. Meanwhile, Beijing Guoan has initiated a naturalization program for Serginho, while former Cangzhou Lions' foreigner Oscar has also become a consideration. This makes Shandong Taishan more cautious in their contract renewal decision, after all, the team has other naturalization options to choose from. Delgado needs to complete his status change to have a chance to stay with the team. But as a naturalized player, he is not worried about finding a home.
Fernando's contract with Shandong Taishan is also due to expire, and with little chance of renewal, he is more likely to return to Shenhua. Pato's situation is similar to Fernando's, and Shandong Taishan also has no intention of renewing his contract. The main trident of Wako, Kressan, and Zeca have solidified their position, and the team is no longer planning to bring in new foreign wingers, including Leonardo, who will not be returning from his loan. With the F.A.C.A. Cup final just around the corner, Cressan has resumed training and is expected to return. And the return of Gao Junyi will have to wait.
Shandong Taishan advanced to the FA Cup final for the second consecutive year, with Wu Jingui leading the team to the title last year under the leadership of Cui Lao. This year, it's a clash of two soccer philosophies against a more tactically versatile Muscat. Although Wu Lei may not be able to play, the attacking power of the trident of Oscar, Vargas and Gustavo is still strong. On paper, the Taishan team is slightly inferior, but Choi Kang-hee is good at winning with the weak, we may be able to learn from the AFC Champions League tactics, and try to avoid two consecutive years of grainlessness.
