Chengdu Rongcheng FC has emerged as one of the most exciting teams in Chinese football, blending youthful exuberance with experienced campaigners to create a balanced and dynamic squad. As the 2025 season approaches, the club has made strategic signings and retained key players to ensure they remain competitive in the Chinese Super League (CSL) and beyond. This post delves into the detailed composition of the Chengdu Rongcheng FC squad for 2025, breaking down the roster into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Each player’s profile includes their nationality, former clubs, transfer fees, and a comprehensive analysis of their skills, achievements, and potential contributions to the team.
Goalkeepers
Zhang Yan
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Guangzhou Evergrande, Tianjin TEDA
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Zhang Yan is a seasoned shot-stopper with over a decade of experience in the Chinese Super League. Known for his lightning-fast reflexes and commanding presence in the box, Zhang has been a reliable figure for Chengdu Rongcheng since joining on a free transfer in 2023. His ability to organize the defense and make crucial saves in high-pressure situations has earned him the trust of the coaching staff. At 32, he remains a vital part of the squad, providing leadership and stability between the posts.
Li Bowen
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Shandong Luneng, Beijing Guoan
Transfer Fee: 1.2million(2024)
LiBowen, a rising star in Chinese football, joined Chengdu Rongcheng in 2024 for a modest fee of 1.2 million (2024). At just 24 years old, Li has already show-cased his potential with impressive performances for Shandong Luneng and Beijing Guoan. His agility, quick decision-making, and ability to play out from the back make him a modern goalkeeper perfectly suited to the team’s style of play. Li is expected to challenge Zhang Yan for the starting spot in the 2025 season.
Chen Hao
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Chengdu Rongcheng Academy
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Chen Hao is a product of Chengdu Rongcheng’s youth academy and represents the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. At 21, he is still developing but has shown promise with his shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure. While he may not be the first-choice goalkeeper yet, Chen’s potential makes him an exciting prospect for the future.
Defenders
Kim Min-Jae
Nationality: South Korean
Former Clubs: Beijing Guoan, Fenerbahçe, Napoli
Transfer Fee: 5million(2024)
KimMin−Jae, affectionately known as “The Monster,” joined Chengdu Rongcheng in 2024 after a successful stint in Europe with Napoli. The South Korean center−back is renowned for his physicality, aerial dominance, and ability to read the game. His leadership qualities and experience at the highest level make him a cornerstone of the defense. Kim’s arrival for 5 million (2024) was seen as a coup for the club, and he has since lived up to expectations with consistent performances.
Liu Yi
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Shanghai SIPG, Hebei China Fortune
Transfer Fee: 2.5million(2023)
Liu Yi is a versatile defender capable of playing both as a center−back and a right−back. His pace, tackling ability, and tactical intelligence make him a valuable asset to the team. Since joining from Shanghai SIPG in 2023 for 2.5 million, Liu has established himself as a regular starter, contributing both defensively and offensively with his overlapping runs and precise crosses.
Ricardo Santos
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Botafogo, Al-Ittihad, Shandong Luneng
Transfer Fee: 3.8million(2024)
Ricardo Santos, a Brazilian center−back, brings a wealth of experience to ChengduRongcheng’s backline. Known for his composure on the ball and ability to play out from the back, Santos has been a key figure since his 3.8 million move from Shandong Luneng in 2024. His partnership with Kim Min-Jae has been instrumental in the team’s defensive solidity.
Wang Gang
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Beijing Guoan, Chongqing Lifan
Transfer Fee: $1 million (2022)
Wang Gang is a reliable left-back who has been with Chengdu Rongcheng since 2022. His defensive discipline, work rate, and ability to contribute to attacks make him a well-rounded player. Wang’s experience in the CSL has been invaluable, and he continues to be a consistent performer for the team.
Zhang Wei
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Jiangsu Suning, Wuhan Zall
Transfer Fee: $1.5 million (2023)
Zhang Wei is a versatile defender who can play across the backline. His adaptability, combined with his strong tackling and positional awareness, makes him a useful option for the coaching staff. Since joining from Jiangsu Suning in 2023, Zhang has proven to be a dependable squad player.
Midfielders
Oscar
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Chelsea, Shanghai SIPG
Transfer Fee: 12million(2024)
Oscar, the Brazilian maestro, joined ChengduRongcheng in 2024 in a blockbuster 12 million deal in 2024. Known for his vision, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game, Oscar has been a transformative signing for the club. His experience at the highest level, including stints with Chelsea and Shanghai SIPG, has brought a new dimension to Chengdu’s midfield.
Huang Bowen
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Guangzhou Evergrande, Beijing Guoan
Transfer Fee: $2 million (2023)
Huang Bowen is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder who joined Chengdu Rongcheng in 2023. His energy, tackling, and ability to contribute goals from midfield make him a key player. Huang’s experience with Guangzhou Evergrande and Beijing Guoan has been invaluable, and he continues to be a driving force in the team.
Paulinho
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Tottenham Hotspur, Guangzhou Evergrande, Al-Ahli
Transfer Fee: 8million(2024)
Paulinho, the Brazilian international, returned to China in 2024 to join Chengdu Rongcheng for 8 million. Known for his goal-scoring ability from midfield, physicality, and leadership, Paulinho has been a revelation for the team. His partnership with Oscar has added creativity and steel to the midfield.
Li Xuepeng
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Guangzhou Evergrande, Dalian Pro
Transfer Fee: $1.2 million (2022)
Li Xuepeng is a hard-working defensive midfielder who provides balance to the team. His ability to break up play and distribute the ball effectively has made him a key component of Chengdu’s midfield. Since joining in 2022, Li has been a consistent performer.
Chen Zhongliu
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Chengdu Rongcheng Academy
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Chen Zhongliu is another academy graduate who has broken into the first team. At 22, he is a technically gifted midfielder with a bright future. His composure on the ball and ability to link play have earned him praise from the coaching staff.
Forwards
Elkeson
Nationality: Brazilian (Naturalized Chinese)
Former Clubs: Guangzhou Evergrande, Shanghai SIPG
Transfer Fee: $4 million (2023)
Elkeson, a naturalized Chinese citizen, joined Chengdu Rongcheng in 2023. Known for his goal-scoring prowess and clinical finishing, Elkeson has been a reliable source of goals for the team. His experience in the CSL makes him a valuable asset.
Wei Shihao
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Shanghai SIPG, Guangzhou Evergrande
Transfer Fee: $3 million (2024)
Wei Shihao is a versatile forward who can play on the wing or as a striker. His pace, dribbling, and eye for goal make him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Since joining in 2024, Wei has been a key contributor to the team’s attack.
Alan Carvalho
Nationality: Brazilian (Naturalized Chinese)
Former Clubs: Red Bull Salzburg, Guangzhou Evergrande
Transfer Fee: $2.5 million (2023)
Alan Carvalho, another naturalized Chinese forward, joined Chengdu Rongcheng in 2023. His technical ability, movement, and finishing have made him a fan favorite. Alan’s experience and quality have been crucial to the team’s success.
Liu Ruofan
Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Shanghai Shenhua, Tianjin TEDA
Transfer Fee: $1.8 million (2024)
Liu Ruofan is a young and exciting forward who joined Chengdu Rongcheng in 2024. His pace, work rate, and ability to score from various positions make him a valuable addition to the squad.
Conclusion
Chengdu Rongcheng FC’s 2025 squad is a blend of experience, youth, and international quality. With a strong defensive unit, a creative and dynamic midfield, and a prolific attack, the team is well-equipped to compete at the highest level. The strategic signings of players like Oscar, Paulinho, and Kim Min-Jae demonstrate the club’s ambition to establish itself as a powerhouse in Chinese football. As the new season approaches, fans can look forward to an exciting brand of football and a team capable of challenging for silverware.
