On March 22, 2023, the soccer information platform "German turn" broke the heavy news, China's 28-year-old international footballer, former Guangzhou midfield core Liao Lixiang has formally reached a transfer agreement with the Chinese Super League dominant Shandong Taishan team. A reporter from Beijing Youth Daily revealed that Liao's contract will last for five years. According to multiple sources, Taishan's signing of Liao is closely related to the imminent departure of Xu Xin, the team's main back last season.
Rumors of Liao's transfer to Shandong Taishan have been circulating around since around the Lunar New Year. As Xu Xin's imminent departure from Taishan was well known, Taishan were in dire need of a suitable replacement at the back. Liao Lisheng, who is in his prime, naturally became Taishan's top target with his excellent technical ability.
Liao's contract with Guangzhou was terminated at the end of last year, while Taishan, as one of the few clubs in the Chinese Super League with stable operations and no salary arrears, is extremely attractive to Liao. This transfer is undoubtedly a win-win deal for both sides. It is reported that the two sides have signed a five-year long-term contract.
However, it is worth noting that, compared to the tough Xu Xin, Liao Lixiang is better at ball control than physical confrontation. Whether or not he can become a mainstay of the Taishan team in the new season will have to wait for head coach Hao Wei's further examination. Liao is currently in the United Arab Emirates with the Chinese national men's soccer team preparing for their upcoming match against Saudi Arabia in the 9th round of the 12-team tournament.
