Sports Journalist: It’s Very Likely that He Guan Will Leave Shanghai Port, Loan Move Could Be a Good Attempt

The second transfer window for the 2024 Chinese Super League (CSL) and China League One clubs will open on June 17th and close on July 15th. Sports journalist Chen Hua shared via social media, “There were previous reports that Shanghai Port central defender He Guan might be loaned out, and I think there’s a significant chance that it’s true.”

The journalist listed the following reasons:

Firstly, He Guan didn’t have many opportunities to play in the first half of the season for Shanghai Port, if any. In 14 league matches, he was named to the 18-man squad multiple times but didn’t make a single appearance. Players need actual games to maintain their form; if he can’t play here, it would be better for him to find a team where he can play more matches and stay sharp.

Secondly, He Guan has had two previous loan spells to maintain his condition, gaining valuable experience. In the 2022 season, when he had limited opportunities under manager Li Ke at Shanghai Port, he was loaned to Changchun Yatai, scoring one goal and providing one assist in 15 appearances, earning widespread recognition from长春 fans. In the 2023 season, with few appearances under Jia Xiuquan, He Guan was loaned to Wuhan Sanjiu, starting in seven CSL matches and playing in four (three as a starter) high-level AFC Champions League fixtures. Both loans can be considered successful attempts, as the player gained more match experience.

Lastly, with the summer transfer window opening, several clubs, including Henan and Wuhan among others from both the CSL and China League One, are interested in loaning He Guan. The final decision on where he will go will depend on the player’s personal preference and the club’s decision-making, as he still has a contract with Shanghai Port, and the club holds some authority over his loan destination.

Personally, I support He Guan seeking more playing time through a loan move. The depth of central defenders at Shanghai Port is undeniably the strongest in the 16-team CSL: Jiang Guangtai, imported from Evergrande, stands alone in his class domestically; Zhang Linpeng is a seasoned international and captain; Li Ang, recruited from Jiangsu, offers a certain level of firmness with his left-footed passing and set-piece skills; and Wei Yizhen, one of the few remaining talents from the 1997-1998 generation that won the full national youth championship, has demonstrated the vigor and passion of the middle generation, gradually securing a starting spot.