Henan FC Squad 2025: A Comprehensive Overview
Henan FC, one of China’s most storied football clubs, has undergone a significant transformation ahead of the 2025 season. With a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents, the squad is poised to make a strong impact in the Chinese Super League (CSL) and beyond. The club’s management has invested heavily in the transfer market, securing players from diverse backgrounds to create a balanced and competitive team. This post delves into the Henan FC squad for 2025, providing an in-depth analysis of each player, their career trajectories, and their potential contributions to the team. The squad is divided into four key sections: Goalkeepers, Defenders, Midfielders, and Forwards.
Goalkeepers
- Wang Dalei (China)
A seasoned goalkeeper with over a decade of experience, Wang Dalei is a household name in Chinese football. Known for his reflexes and commanding presence in the box, Dalei joined Henan FC in 2024 from Shandong Taishan for a transfer fee of €1.5 million. With 80+ caps for the Chinese national team, his leadership and experience are invaluable. Standing at 1.92 meters, he excels in aerial duels and penalty saves, making him a reliable last line of defense. - Gabriel Brazão (Brazil)
A rising star from Brazil, Gabriel Brazão was signed from Italian club Parma in 2023 for €2 million. At just 24 years old, Brazão has already showcased his potential with remarkable shot-stopping abilities and composure under pressure. His distribution skills and ability to read the game make him a modern goalkeeper, perfectly suited for Henan FC’s tactical approach. Brazão’s arrival adds depth and competition to the goalkeeping department. - Hou Yu (China)
A product of Henan FC’s youth academy, Hou Yu is a promising young goalkeeper who has steadily risen through the ranks. At 22, he represents the future of the club’s goalkeeping unit. While still developing, Hou has shown glimpses of his potential during cup matches and is expected to challenge for more playing time in the coming seasons. His agility and quick reflexes make him a reliable backup option.
Defenders
- Zhang Linpeng (China)
A veteran defender with over 100 caps for the Chinese national team, Zhang Linpeng joined Henan FC in 2024 from Guangzhou Evergrande for a nominal fee. Known as the “Chinese Ramos” for his aggressive style and versatility, Zhang can play as a center-back or right-back. His leadership and experience are crucial for organizing the defense, and his ability to contribute to set-pieces adds an extra dimension to the team. - Jordy Buijs (Netherlands)
A Dutch center-back with a wealth of experience, Jordy Buijs was signed from J-League club Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2023 for €1.2 million. Known for his physicality and aerial prowess, Buijs is a dominant presence in the box. His ability to play out from the back and his precise long-range passing make him a key component of Henan FC’s build-up play. At 36, he brings maturity and composure to the backline. - Wang Shangyuan (China)
A versatile defender capable of playing as a center-back or defensive midfielder, Wang Shangyuan has been a consistent performer for Henan FC since joining in 2021. His tactical intelligence and ability to intercept opposition attacks make him a vital cog in the team’s defensive structure. Wang’s work rate and commitment have earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable defenders in the CSL. - Kim Min-jae (South Korea)
A marquee signing in 2024, Kim Min-jae joined Henan FC from Napoli for a club-record fee of €10 million. The South Korean international is renowned for his physicality, speed, and ability to read the game. Standing at 1.90 meters, Kim is a towering presence in defense and has already established himself as a fan favorite. His arrival has significantly bolstered Henan FC’s defensive solidity. - Liu Yi (China)
A young left-back with immense potential, Liu Yi was promoted from Henan FC’s youth academy in 2023. At just 20 years old, he has already shown his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. Liu’s pace and crossing accuracy make him a valuable asset in overlapping runs, and his development is closely monitored by the coaching staff.
Midfielders
- Igor Coronado (Brazil)
A creative midfielder with a flair for the spectacular, Igor Coronado joined Henan FC in 2023 from Sharjah FC for €3.5 million. The Brazilian playmaker is known for his dribbling skills, vision, and ability to score from distance. With a knack for unlocking defenses, Coronado has become the heartbeat of Henan FC’s midfield. His experience in leagues across Europe and Asia adds a global perspective to the squad. - Zhou Dingyang (China)
A hardworking box-to-box midfielder, Zhou Dingyang has been a mainstay in Henan FC’s lineup since 2020. His energy, tackling ability, and passing range make him a crucial link between defense and attack. Zhou’s leadership qualities have also seen him wear the captain’s armband on multiple occasions. At 28, he is in the prime of his career and continues to deliver consistent performances. - Fernando (Brazil)
A defensive midfielder with a no-nonsense approach, Fernando was signed from Beijing Guoan in 2024 for €2 million. The Brazilian enforcer is known for his ability to break up play and shield the defense. His physicality and tactical discipline make him an indispensable part of Henan FC’s midfield setup. Fernando’s experience in the CSL ensures he adapts seamlessly to the team’s style of play. - Huang Xiyang (China)
A product of Henan FC’s youth system, Huang Xiyang is a dynamic midfielder with a bright future. At 21, he has already shown his ability to dictate the tempo of the game with his passing and movement. Huang’s versatility allows him to play in multiple midfield roles, and his potential has drawn comparisons to some of China’s finest midfielders. - Anderson Talisca (Brazil)
A high-profile signing in 2024, Anderson Talisca joined Henan FC from Al-Nassr for €8 million. The Brazilian attacking midfielder is renowned for his goal-scoring ability and set-piece expertise. With a career that includes stints at Benfica and Guangzhou Evergrande, Talisca brings star power and creativity to the team. His ability to score from free-kicks and long-range shots makes him a constant threat.
Forwards
- Karim Ansarifard (Iran)
A seasoned striker with a proven track record, Karim Ansarifard joined Henan FC in 2023 from AEK Athens for €1.5 million. The Iranian international is known for his clinical finishing and ability to hold up play. With over 70 international goals, Ansarifard’s experience and composure in front of goal are invaluable for Henan FC’s attack. - Chen Pu (China)
A versatile forward capable of playing as a winger or center-forward, Chen Pu has been a consistent performer for Henan FC since 2019. His pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal make him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Chen’s ability to create chances for himself and his teammates has earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting Chinese forwards in the CSL. - Paulinho (Brazil)
A prolific goal-scorer, Paulinho joined Henan FC in 2024 from Guangzhou Evergrande for €5 million. The Brazilian forward is known for his speed, agility, and ability to score in tight spaces. With a career that includes stints in Europe and Asia, Paulinho’s experience and goal-scoring prowess make him a key player for Henan FC. - Han Dong (China)
A young striker with immense potential, Han Dong was signed from Chongqing Liangjiang in 2023 for €1 million. At 22, he has already shown his ability to score goals at the highest level. Han’s physicality and aerial ability make him a valuable option in the attacking third, and his development is closely watched by fans and pundits alike. - Ricardo Goulart (Brazil)
A familiar face in Chinese football, Ricardo Goulart returned to Henan FC in 2024 after a stint in Brazil. The Brazilian forward, who previously played for Guangzhou Evergrande, is known for his goal-scoring ability and technical skills. Goulart’s experience and familiarity with the CSL make him a valuable addition to the squad.
Conclusion
Henan FC’s squad for the 2025 season is a perfect blend of experience, youth, and international talent. With a strong defensive unit, a creative midfield, and a potent attack, the team is well-equipped to compete at the highest level. The club’s strategic investments in the transfer market have paid off, and the squad’s depth ensures they can handle the rigors of a long season. As Henan FC aims to challenge for domestic and continental honors, the 2025 squad represents a new era of ambition and success for the club. Fans can look forward to an exciting season filled with thrilling performances and memorable moments.