Qingdao West Coast FC Squad 2025

Qingdao West Coast FC has emerged as one of the most exciting teams in Chinese football, blending experienced veterans with promising young talents. The 2025 squad reflects a strategic mix of domestic prowess and international flair, aiming to compete at the highest levels of the Chinese Super League (CSL) and beyond. With a focus on building a balanced team, the club has invested heavily in key positions while nurturing homegrown players to ensure long-term success. This post delves into the 2025 squad, breaking down the players by position and providing an in-depth analysis of their backgrounds, achievements, and contributions to the team.

Goalkeepers

1. Zhang Zhen

Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Guangzhou Evergrande, Tianjin Tianhai
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Zhang Zhen is a seasoned goalkeeper with over a decade of experience in the Chinese Super League. Known for his quick reflexes and commanding presence in the box, Zhang has been a reliable last line of defense for Qingdao West Coast since joining in 2023. His ability to organize the defense and make crucial saves in high-pressure situations has earned him the captain’s armband. Zhang’s leadership and experience are invaluable to the squad, especially in tight matches where his composure under pressure often proves decisive.

2. Kim Min-Jae

Nationality: South Korean
Former Clubs: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Ulsan Hyundai
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2024)
Kim Min-Jae, a rising star in Asian football, joined Qingdao West Coast in 2024 after impressing in the K League. At just 24 years old, Kim has already showcased his shot-stopping abilities and excellent distribution skills. His agility and quick decision-making make him a formidable opponent for any striker. Kim’s arrival has added depth to the goalkeeping department, providing healthy competition for Zhang Zhen and ensuring the team is well-prepared for the rigors of a long season.

3. Liu Wei

Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Qingdao Youth Academy
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
A product of Qingdao’s youth academy, Liu Wei is a promising young goalkeeper who has been with the club since his early teens. At 21 years old, Liu is still developing but has shown great potential in training and during limited first-team appearances. His height and athleticism make him a natural shot-stopper, and he is seen as the future of Qingdao’s goalkeeping department. Liu’s progress is closely monitored by the coaching staff, who believe he could become a mainstay in the team in the coming years.

Defenders

1. Li Ang

Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Jiangsu Suning, Beijing Guoan
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2023)
Li Ang is a versatile defender capable of playing both as a center-back and a left-back. Known for his physicality and aerial dominance, Li has been a key figure in Qingdao’s defense since his arrival in 2023. His experience in the CSL, including a title-winning campaign with Jiangsu Suning, brings a winning mentality to the squad. Li’s ability to read the game and make timely interceptions has been crucial in maintaining the team’s defensive solidity.

2. Park Ji-Soo

Nationality: South Korean
Former Clubs: FC Seoul, Suwon Samsung Bluewings
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2024)
Park Ji-Soo is a commanding center-back who joined Qingdao West Coast in 2024. Standing at 6’4”, Park is a towering presence in defense and excels in aerial duels. His calmness on the ball and ability to play out from the back have made him a fan favorite. Park’s partnership with Li Ang has formed one of the most formidable defensive pairings in the league, and his leadership qualities have further strengthened the team’s backline.

3. Wang Tong

Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Shandong Luneng, Hebei China Fortune
Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (2022)
Wang Tong is a dynamic right-back known for his pace and crossing ability. Since joining Qingdao in 2022, Wang has been a consistent performer, contributing both defensively and offensively. His overlapping runs and precise deliveries into the box have created numerous scoring opportunities for the team. Wang’s work rate and commitment to the cause make him an indispensable part of the squad.

4. Zhang Cheng

Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Shanghai SIPG, Chongqing Lifan
Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2023)
Zhang Cheng is a reliable left-back who joined Qingdao West Coast in 2023. Known for his defensive discipline and ability to support the attack, Zhang has been a steady presence on the left flank. His experience in the CSL, including a stint with Shanghai SIPG, has been invaluable in guiding the younger players in the squad. Zhang’s consistency and professionalism make him a key member of the team.

5. Chen Zhe

Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Qingdao Youth Academy
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Chen Zhe is a young center-back who has risen through the ranks of Qingdao’s youth academy. At 22 years old, Chen has already shown great promise with his composure on the ball and ability to read the game. His performances in training and during cup matches have earned him a place in the first-team squad. Chen’s development is a testament to the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.

Midfielders

1. Huang Bowen

Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Guangzhou Evergrande, Wuhan Zall
Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2024)
Huang Bowen is a creative midfielder who joined Qingdao West Coast in 2024. Known for his vision and passing range, Huang has been instrumental in orchestrating the team’s attacks. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and deliver key passes has made him a vital cog in the midfield. Huang’s experience and technical skills have added a new dimension to the team’s play.

2. Yoon Bit-Garam

Nationality: South Korean
Former Clubs: Jeju United, Incheon United
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2023)
Yoon Bit-Garam is a versatile midfielder who can play both as a central midfielder and an attacking midfielder. Since joining Qingdao in 2023, Yoon has been a consistent performer, contributing with goals and assists. His work rate and ability to press opponents high up the pitch have been crucial in the team’s high-intensity style of play. Yoon’s technical skills and tactical awareness make him a key player in the squad.

3. Liu Bin

Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Tianjin TEDA, Henan Jianye
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2022)
Liu Bin is a hardworking defensive midfielder who joined Qingdao West Coast in 2022. Known for his tackling and ability to break up opposition play, Liu has been a reliable presence in front of the defense. His energy and commitment to the team’s cause have made him a fan favorite. Liu’s ability to shield the backline and initiate counterattacks has been crucial in the team’s success.

4. Zhang Xizhe

Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Beijing Guoan, Guangzhou R&F
Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (2023)
Zhang Xizhe is an experienced attacking midfielder who joined Qingdao in 2023. Known for his creativity and set-piece ability, Zhang has been a key contributor to the team’s attacking play. His vision and ability to unlock defenses with precise passes have created numerous scoring opportunities. Zhang’s experience and leadership have been invaluable in guiding the younger players in the squad.

5. Li Yuanyi

Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Shandong Luneng, Chongqing Lifan
Transfer Fee: €1 million (2024)
Li Yuanyi is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder who joined Qingdao West Coast in 2024. Known for his energy and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, Li has been a valuable addition to the squad. His ability to drive forward with the ball and make late runs into the box has added a new dimension to the team’s midfield play. Li’s versatility and work rate make him a key player in the squad.

Forwards

1. Alan Kardec

Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Chongqing Lifan, Shenzhen FC
Transfer Fee: €3.5 million (2023)
Alan Kardec is a prolific striker who joined Qingdao West Coast in 2023. Known for his clinical finishing and aerial ability, Alan has been the team’s leading goal scorer since his arrival. His experience in the CSL, including stints with Chongqing Lifan and Shenzhen FC, has been invaluable in guiding the team’s attacking play. Alan’s ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play has made him a key figure in the squad.

2. Wu Lei

Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Shanghai SIPG, Espanyol (Spain)
Transfer Fee: €4 million (2024)
Wu Lei is one of China’s most celebrated footballers, having enjoyed success both domestically and internationally. Since joining Qingdao West Coast in 2024, Wu has been a revelation, combining his pace and finishing ability to great effect. His experience in La Liga with Espanyol has added a new dimension to his game, making him a complete forward. Wu’s leadership and goal-scoring prowess have been crucial in the team’s success.

3. Chen Pu

Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Hebei China Fortune, Tianjin TEDA
Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2022)
Chen Pu is a versatile forward who can play both as a striker and a winger. Since joining Qingdao in 2022, Chen has been a consistent performer, contributing with goals and assists. His pace and ability to take on defenders have made him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Chen’s work rate and commitment to the team’s cause have made him a fan favorite.

4. Ricardo Goulart

Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Guangzhou Evergrande, Palmeiras (Brazil)
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2024)
Ricardo Goulart is a seasoned forward who joined Qingdao West Coast in 2024. Known for his technical skills and goal-scoring ability, Goulart has been a key contributor to the team’s attacking play. His experience in the CSL, including multiple title-winning campaigns with Guangzhou Evergrande, has been invaluable in guiding the team’s younger players. Goulart’s ability to create and score goals has made him a key figure in the squad.

5. Liu Ruofan

Nationality: Chinese
Former Clubs: Shanghai Shenhua, Nantong Zhiyun
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2023)
Liu Ruofan is a young forward who joined Qingdao West Coast in 2023. Known for his pace and finishing ability, Liu has shown great promise in his limited appearances. His ability to stretch defenses with his runs and create scoring opportunities has made him a valuable asset to the team. Liu’s development is closely monitored by the coaching staff, who believe he has the potential to become a key player in the future.

Conclusion

The 2025 Qingdao West Coast FC squad is a blend of experience, talent, and potential. With a strong core of domestic players complemented by high-quality international signings, the team is well-equipped to compete at the highest level. The goalkeeping department boasts a mix of experience and youth, while the defense is anchored by a solid partnership between Li Ang and Park Ji-Soo. The midfield is packed with creativity and energy, and the forward line is led by proven goal scorers like Alan Kardec and Wu Lei. As the team continues to grow and develop, the future looks bright for Qingdao West Coast FC.