Zhejiang Professional FC Squad 2025
Zhejiang Professional FC has steadily risen through the ranks of Chinese football, establishing itself as a formidable force in the Chinese Super League (CSL). The 2025 squad reflects a blend of experienced veterans, emerging talents, and strategic international signings, all aimed at achieving domestic and continental success. With a focus on balanced recruitment across all positions, the team boasts a roster capable of competing at the highest level. This post delves into the detailed composition of the 2025 squad, breaking it down into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, with in-depth profiles of each player.
Goalkeepers
1. Zhang Zhen
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Guangzhou Evergrande, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger.
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Zhang Zhen, a seasoned shot-stopper, joined Zhejiang Professional FC in 2023 after a successful stint with Guangzhou Evergrande. Known for his lightning-fast reflexes and commanding presence in the box, Zhang has been a reliable last line of defense for the team. His ability to organize the backline and make crucial saves in high-pressure situations has earned him the captain’s armband. In 2024, he recorded 12 clean sheets in 28 appearances, showcasing his consistency and leadership.
2. Igor Akinfeev
Nationality: Russian
Former Clubs: CSKA Moscow.
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2024)
A legendary figure in Russian football, Igor Akinfeev brought his wealth of experience to Zhejiang Professional FC in 2024. After spending his entire career at CSKA Moscow, Akinfeev decided to embark on a new challenge in Asia. Despite being in the twilight of his career, his shot-stopping abilities and composure under pressure remain unparalleled. His mentorship has been invaluable to younger goalkeepers in the squad, and his 10 clean sheets in 20 appearances in 2024 highlight his enduring quality.
3. Li Hao
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Shandong Taishan (youth academy).
Transfer Fee: Promoted from youth team (2022)
Li Hao is one of the brightest young goalkeeping prospects in Chinese football. Promoted to the senior team in 2022, he has steadily developed under the guidance of Zhang Zhen and Igor Akinfeev. Li’s agility and ability to read the game have made him a dependable backup option. In 2024, he made 8 appearances, keeping 4 clean sheets and demonstrating his potential to become the team’s future number one.
Defenders
1. Wang Dalei
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Shandong Taishan, Shanghai Shenhua.
Transfer Fee: €500,000 (2023)
Wang Dalei, primarily a goalkeeper earlier in his career, transitioned to a central defensive role in 2023. His aerial prowess and physicality make him a formidable presence in the backline. Wang’s leadership and experience have been crucial in stabilizing Zhejiang’s defense, and his versatility allows him to slot into multiple positions when needed. In 2024, he made 25 appearances, contributing 3 goals and 5 clean sheets.
2. Kim Min-jae
Nationality: South Korean
Former Clubs: Beijing Guoan, Fenerbahçe, Napoli.
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2024)
Kim Min-jae, nicknamed “The Monster,” joined Zhejiang Professional FC in 2024 after a successful spell in Europe. Known for his physicality, tactical intelligence, and ability to play out from the back, Kim has quickly become a fan favorite. His partnership with Wang Dalei has solidified the team’s defense, and his 30 appearances in 2024 were instrumental in the team’s push for continental qualification.
3. Zhang Linpeng
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Guangzhou Evergrande, Shanghai Port.
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
A veteran of Chinese football, Zhang Linpeng brought his wealth of experience to Zhejiang Professional FC in 2024. Known for his versatility, Zhang can play as a right-back or center-back. His defensive acumen and ability to contribute offensively make him a valuable asset. In 2024, he made 22 appearances, providing 2 assists and helping the team secure 8 clean sheets.
4. Rafael Tolói
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Atalanta, São Paulo.
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
Rafael Tolói joined Zhejiang Professional FC in 2024 after a distinguished career in Serie A. The Brazilian defender’s composure on the ball and ability to read the game have added a new dimension to the team’s defense. His leadership and experience have been crucial in high-stakes matches, and his 28 appearances in 2024 were marked by consistent performances.
5. Li Lei
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Beijing Guoan, Grasshoppers.
Transfer Fee: €1 million (2023)
Li Lei returned to China in 2023 after a stint in Switzerland with Grasshoppers. The left-back is known for his pace, crossing ability, and defensive solidity. His contributions on both ends of the pitch have made him a key player for Zhejiang. In 2024, he made 26 appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 6 assists.
Midfielders
1. Wu Xi
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Jiangsu Suning, Shanghai Shenhua.
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Wu Xi, a midfield maestro, joined Zhejiang Professional FC in 2023. His vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game make him a vital cog in the team’s engine room. Wu’s leadership and experience have been instrumental in guiding the younger players. In 2024, he made 30 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 8 assists.
2. Sergej Milinković-Savić
Nationality: Serbian
Former Clubs: Lazio, Al-Hilal.
Transfer Fee: €5 million (2024)
Sergej Milinković-Savić joined Zhejiang Professional FC in 2024 after a brief stint in Saudi Arabia. The Serbian midfielder’s physicality, technical ability, and eye for goal make him one of the most complete midfielders in the league. His arrival has elevated the team’s midfield to new heights, and his 10 goals and 12 assists in 28 appearances in 2024 underscore his impact.
3. Huang Bowen
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Beijing Guoan, Guangzhou Evergrande.
Transfer Fee: €1 million (2023)
Huang Bowen is a versatile midfielder known for his work rate and ability to break up opposition play. His experience and tactical intelligence make him a key player in both defensive and attacking transitions. In 2024, he made 24 appearances, contributing 3 goals and 5 assists.
4. Matheus Henrique
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Grêmio, Sassuolo.
Transfer Fee: €3.5 million (2024)
Matheus Henrique joined Zhejiang Professional FC in 2024, bringing his dynamic playing style to the team. The Brazilian midfielder’s ability to drive forward with the ball and his defensive contributions make him a well-rounded player. His 7 goals and 9 assists in 26 appearances in 2024 highlight his importance to the team.
5. Cao Yunding
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Shanghai Shenhua, Chengdu Rongcheng.
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Cao Yunding is a creative midfielder known for his dribbling skills and ability to unlock defenses. His flair and technical ability make him a fan favorite, and his 6 goals and 10 assists in 28 appearances in 2024 demonstrate his attacking prowess.
Forwards
1. Musa Barrow
Nationality: Gambian
Former Clubs: Atalanta, Bologna.
Transfer Fee: €4 million (2024)
Musa Barrow joined Zhejiang Professional FC in 2024, adding pace and goal-scoring ability to the team’s attack. The Gambian forward’s ability to play across the front line and his clinical finishing have made him a key player. In 2024, he scored 15 goals and provided 7 assists in 30 appearances.
2. Elkeson
Nationality: Brazilian (naturalized Chinese).
Former Clubs: Guangzhou Evergrande, Shanghai SIPG
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Elkeson, a naturalized Chinese citizen, joined Zhejiang Professional FC in 2023. The experienced forward’s goal-scoring instincts and ability to link play make him a valuable asset. In 2024, he scored 12 goals and provided 5 assists in 25 appearances.
3. Zhang Yuning
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: West Bromwich Albion, Beijing Guoan.
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2023)
Zhang Yuning is a powerful striker known for his physicality and finishing ability. His return to China in 2023 has been a success, and his 14 goals in 28 appearances in 2024 highlight his importance to the team.
4. Ricardo Goulart
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Guangzhou Evergrande, Palmeiras.
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Ricardo Goulart rejoined Chinese football in 2024, bringing his goal-scoring pedigree to Zhejiang Professional FC. The Brazilian forward’s ability to find space and finish chances has been crucial, and his 10 goals in 20 appearances in 2024 demonstrate his quality.
Conclusion
Zhejiang Professional FC’s 2025 squad is a testament to the club’s ambition and strategic planning. With a mix of experienced international stars and talented domestic players, the team is well-equipped to challenge for honors both domestically and in continental competitions. The balance across all positions, coupled with the depth of the squad, ensures that Zhejiang Professional FC remains a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.
