As the dust settles on the 2023 Chinese Super League season, the transfer market has reached a new high. Numerous clubs have been strategizing for the upcoming season's lineup adjustments.
Given the sluggishness of the Chinese Super League in recent years, it is no longer possible for clubs to spend as much money as they did in the past to buy top foreign aiders such as Oscar. Therefore, in addition to looking for cost-effective foreign aid, a number of international players in their prime have also become the focus of competition among teams.
In the league finale, Dalian Ren and Nantong Zhiyun both lost, causing Dalian Ren, who were originally two points behind, to miss the chance to make a comeback and fail to advance to the China First Division. With the relegation of Dalian People settled, many core players in the team may choose to transfer, among which the popular international player Lin Liangming is in the limelight.
At 26 years old, Lin Liangming is at the peak of his career. He has been shining in the league, while national team head coach Jankovic has also favored him. This year, Lim has been selected for the national team several times, scoring goals against Myanmar and Malaysia, and is in top form.
With the news of Dalian's relegation finally settling in, Lin Liangming has become the first "meat and potatoes" in the Chinese Super League's winter transfer window. Although he still has a one-year contract with the club, it is clear that he will not be able to play with the team in the Chinese league next season.
Earlier this year, Lin Liangming's transfer rumors were abuzz, with many of the Chinese Super League giants, such as Beijing Guoan. Li Ming, the general manager of Guoan, coached Lin Liangming as the head coach of the national Olympic team, and Li Ming himself was once a Dalian native, making Lin Liangming almost join Guoan at the beginning of the season.
However, under the persuasion of Xie Hui and the club, Lin Liangming eventually chose to stay in Dalian and represent the team to complete a season in the Chinese Super League. Now, with Dalian's relegation, Lin Liangming's departure has entered the countdown.
Although Guoan had been salivating over Lin Liangming, their FIFA transfer ban has yet to be lifted. If the issue of outstanding wages owed to foreign aiders and foreign coaches cannot be resolved, Guoan will not be able to make global signings, which adds a lot of uncertainty to Guoan's introduction of Lin Liangming.
Apart from Guoan, another Chinese Super League giants Shanghai Port also intend to bring in Lin Liangming. As this season's league champion, Shanghai Port has already qualified for next season's AFC Champions League without having to participate in the play-offs. Playing on three fronts is undoubtedly a tough challenge for Shanghai Port. They urgently need to strengthen their midfield, and Lin Liangming is undoubtedly one of the best candidates. Harbour veteran Wu Lei was once a right and left winger with Lin Liangming in the national team, and the two of them have a close relationship. Wu Lei is expected to help the club recruit Lin Liangming and copy the national team's striker combination to Shanghai Port. From this perspective, Shanghai Port is more likely to sign Lin Liangming next season than Guoan.
In addition to Lin Liangming, Dalian has a number of current international players who could leave the team next year, such as top performers Wang Zhenao and Huang Jiahui, as well as newly promoted national team member He Yupeng. They will all be the subject of competition from many Chinese Super League teams this winter.
