Analysis of player changes between Wuhan Sanzhen and Shandong Taishan teams
Wuhan Sanzhen won the 2022 Chinese Super League with a bang, beating Taishan 2-0. However, that clean sweep early in the season seemed to be just a prologue. With the sudden withdrawal of investors, Wuhan Sanzhen faced a lot of difficulties and finished only seventh in the league. Nonetheless, the severity of next year's situation seems even more unpredictable, as no companies have yet to lend a helping hand. Against this backdrop, many international players and outstanding foreign aiders may go their separate ways, with Edmilson and Stancho having already left the team, while Gao Junyi, Xie Pengfei, and Wei Shihao's stay and departure are even more interesting.
Looking back at the 2015 season, Gao Zhunyi had a brief stint with Shandong Taishan, but was loaned out to Hebei Huaxia Happiness due to a lack of playing opportunities, before moving to Evergrande, a series of transfer maneuvers that had sparked heated debate. After the Evergrande fiasco, Gao Zhunyi moved to Wuhan Sanzhen, where he won the league title with the team. Now 28 years old, Gao Junyi is at the peak of his career, and his versatility from wing-back to center-back is exactly what Taishan is looking for. According to internal sources, Taishan had contact with Gao last season. As Sanzhen's influence declines and Gao's contract expires, he is expected to be free to join Taishan.
In addition to Gao Zhunyi, the popular international Xie Pengfei has also attracted the attention of many clubs. It is reported that Xie Pengfei may eventually choose the more competitive Shandong Taishan team. Currently, the biggest difference between the two sides is the annual salary issue. As long as the salary issue is properly resolved, Xie Pengfei will wear the Taishan team's uniform in the new season. If these two players can successfully join, Taishan team will undoubtedly become more powerful, not only to fill the gap in the back line, but also for the offensive end of the added firepower.
