Tianjin Jinmen Tigers under Yu Genwei won the eighth place in the league this season, while the club's operation is still strictly supervised by Tianjin Sports Bureau. As the season comes to an end, the Sports Bureau and the club are actively preparing to pass the Football Association's scrutiny, with a view to continuing to play in the Chinese Super League next season. Under the coordination of the Sports Bureau, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers are expected to usher in a new gold owner. Once the funds are in place, the club may adjust its strategy and bring in strong reinforcements to strengthen the team. Therefore, the off-season will be a critical period for Tianjin Jinmen Tigers to reshape their lineup.
Tianjin Jinmen Tigers' foreign star Beric seems to be saying goodbye to the team. He has been a stalwart of the team for the past two seasons, making 56 appearances, scoring 14 goals and winning last season's top scorer. 32 year old Beric's contract ends this season and he will enter the transfer market as a free agent. It is rumored that Slovenian First Division leaders Čele have shown strong interest in Beric. He may be the first Tianjin Jinmen Tiger foreigner to leave the team in the off-season.
Meanwhile, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers have launched a second swoop for Beijing Guoan's star Barton. Last season, they managed to sign Barton from Guoan, who contributed 4 goals and 7 assists in 30 games for the team. Barton's failure to make Jankovic's national team squad was lamented by many fans. Now, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers intend to strike again, targeting winger Yang Fan, who is currently on loan. Yang Fan, who made his name at the Tianjin Songjiang youth training base, joined the Tianjin team with Strikers and quickly became the centerpiece of the team. Beijing Guoan was looking for Yang Fan for a transfer fee of RMB 20 million plus Lei Tenglong. However, Yang Fan did not perform well at Beijing Guoan and spent most of his time on loan at Tianjin. Now, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers are interested in buying out Yang Fan to return him to his homeland, and there seems to be no obstacle in the way as Guoan is also supportive of the deal.
