On the Chinese Super League stage, the prospect of three teams advancing to the AFC Champions League is becoming clearer. Shandong Taishan performed well, while Zhejiang remained hopeful in the final round, but Wuhan Sanzhen regretted an early farewell. With the departures of Moises and Fellaini, and Brazilian outside back Pato waving goodbye, Shandong Taishan are set for a massive squad shake-up next year. Brazilian center forward Zeca, who is known to be joining Pohang Steelers of the K-League, personally retweeted the transfer news on social media, heralding his joining Shandong Taishan.
A highly skilled winger, Zeca is unsurprisingly set to join Shandong Taishan in January, taking part in winter training and having plenty of time to integrate into the squad. The signing was handpicked by Choi Kang-hee, not only for his heading prowess, but also because of his outstanding performances in the AFC Champions League - contributing three goals and three assists in four matches. The former AFC Champions League-winning manager is unimpressed by the modest results in the Chinese Super League, and is not satisfied with a group finish in the AFC Champions League; his ambition is to win the group stage of next year's AFC Champions League.
Leonardo, the loanee, broke through again in the AFC Champions League. His combination with Zeca, who has a complementary style, seems to be on track for a recall. Their partnership with Cressan forms an effective trident. However, the chances of Leonardo's return are slim to none. First, there is the issue of money, Leonardo can find a home for at least a $3 million transfer fee. Shandong Taishan have a number of areas to strengthen next year, but with limited funds, they have no choice but to sell one and bring in another. On the other hand, Leonardo was banned for standing up for his teammates during a clash after Zhejiang's 3-2 win over Buriram United, which not only affects Zhejiang's final AFC Champions League match, but Leonardo will also be unavailable due to the ban if Shandong Taishan make it to the knockout stage. Next February's knockout round, Shandong Taishan team foreign aid opportunities will be reduced, Leonardo neither meet the Taishan team's tactics, nor suitable for the return. Pato, who said goodbye early due to injury and had a mediocre performance, was only a temporary signing to replace the foreign striker. Shandong Taishan need to replace three foreigners, with Zeca replacing Fellaini. Another foreigner from the K-League, Kaza, is also expected to join the team, who can play as a forward and winger, providing more options for the offense. There is also a South Korean back. Shandong Taishan will need to compete with other teams. The early departures of Fellaini and Moises in the final round against Yokohama Mariners showed Choi Kang-hee's confidence that a win is difficult but not impossible. From the moment Fellaini left the team, Shandong Taishan started looking for a new foreigner. There is still some time until the next game. A few years ago, the Chinese Super League team took the initiative in the AFC Champions League, and Cui Kangxi brought a new change to Taishan and the Chinese Super League. Next year, the team is expected to compete for the title and the introduction of internal reinforcements will be active.
