With the end of the contract year approaching, Shandong Taishan did not choose to extend the contract of Jr. He, a player with five years of naturalization experience, is expected to leave a non-blood naturalization spot for the team next year. Meanwhile, Beijing Guoan has initiated a naturalization plan for Serginho, while Oscar, the former Cangzhou Lions' foreign aid, has also become a potential naturalization target. Given these factors, Shandong Taishan's decision to renew Xiaode's contract seems particularly cautious. The team has other alternatives in terms of naturalized players. Delgado will need to wait for a status change before he has a chance to stay. However, as a naturalized player, he still has no shortage of potential homes in the Chinese Super League.
Fernando's contract with Shandong Taishan is also coming to an end. The chances of an extension are slim to none, and he is more likely to continue playing for Shenhua. Pato's situation is similar to Fernando's, and Shandong Taishan will not extend his contract either. The starting trio of Wako, Kressan and Zeca are firmly in the starting lineup, and the team is no longer planning to sign foreign wingers, including Leonardo, who is on loan and won't be returning. With the AFC Cup final on the horizon, Cressan has resumed training and is expected to return. The return of Gao Junyi will have to wait.
Shandong Taishan advanced to the FA Cup final for the second consecutive season, with Wu Jingui leading his team to the title last year under the leadership of Cui Lao. This year, it will be a clash of two soccer philosophies against a more tactically versatile Muscat. Although Wu Lei may not be able to play, the attacking line of Oscar, Vargas and Gustavo will still be able to maintain their firepower. On paper, Taishan are slightly inferior and can only make up for it through tactical adjustments. Choi Kang-hee has a history of creating classics by winning with weakness. Perhaps we can learn from the tactics of the AFC Champions League and try to avoid the embarrassment of two consecutive years without a title.
