As the Chinese Super League (CSL) season enters its winter break, all the big players are gearing up for a big battle for reinforcements. Thanks to the fact that all 16 teams are eligible for promotion, clubs are able to prepare for the game without any worries compared to the past. Upgrading the lineup has become an industry consensus. After all, the 2024 season offers unprecedented opportunities after the policy was relaxed, and grabbing a high ranking is crucial for clubs' development. Since the 2019 season, the introduction of naturalized players has become the focus of the topic, Li Ke, Hou Yongyong and others to join, marking the official opening of the Chinese Super League to introduce local players channel.
The introduction of naturalized players certainly aims to improve the strength of the national team, but the effect does not seem to be obvious. The reason for this is closely related to the stability of the coaching team. In addition, the cumbersome procedures have also led to powerful foreign players such as Golat being qualified to represent the national team only at the parting of the ways. On the contrary, potential players such as Teixeira's strength in the center and front field was damaged because they failed to complete the formalities.
The improvement in performance has not been significant, which has triggered a reexamination of the value of bringing in naturalized players. As naturalized players gradually withdraw from the national team, there is little interest in the transfer market. However, successful cases such as Jiang Guangtai in the harbor are still proving that a win-win situation between clubs and national teams is still the trend.
The door to naturalized players is not closed, clubs need to consider carefully. In this wave of winter reinforcements, naturalized players are once again in the spotlight, with Chinese-Portuguese mixed-race player Wu Xiaohai in the limelight.
Wu Xiaohai, 24 years old, playing as a wingback, has been selected for the Canadian national team and is currently playing for Vancouver White Wave, contributing 1 goal and 3 assists in 36 games this season, with a price tag of 1.5 million euros, or about 12 million yuan, which is twice as much as Jiang Guangtai. In the national team, his price is second only to Wu Lei, which shows his value.
According to sources close to the matter, the two Chinese Super League powers are vying for Ng Siu Hoi, who is expected to be the first naturalized new signing in 2024. In terms of transfer rules, the club with the higher bid is more likely to sign. Once it comes to fruition, the 24-year-old Chinese wing-back will be expected to represent the national team.
