Shenzhen Peng City FC Squad 2025
Introduction
Shenzhen Peng City FC, one of the most ambitious football clubs in China, has been making waves in the footballing world with its strategic signings and youth development programs. As the 2025 season approaches, the club has assembled a formidable squad, blending experienced international stars with promising local talents. This post delves into the detailed breakdown of the squad, categorized by positions: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Each player’s profile includes their nationality, career trajectory, former clubs, transfer fees, and key attributes that make them integral to the team’s success.
Goalkeepers
- Zhang Wei (China)
Zhang Wei, a homegrown talent, has been a cornerstone of Shenzhen Peng City FC’s defense since his debut in 2020. Known for his lightning-fast reflexes and exceptional shot-stopping abilities, Zhang has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Chinese Super League. Standing at 6’3”, he dominates the penalty area with his commanding presence. Zhang previously played for Guangzhou Evergrande, where he won multiple domestic titles. His transfer to Shenzhen Peng City in 2022 cost the club €1.5 million, a bargain considering his consistent performances. - Ivan Marković (Croatia)
A seasoned international, Ivan Marković joined Shenzhen Peng City in 2024 from Dinamo Zagreb for a transfer fee of €3.2 million. The 32-year-old Croatian brings a wealth of experience, having played in top European leagues, including stints in Serie A and the Bundesliga. Marković is renowned for his composure under pressure and exceptional distribution skills, often initiating counterattacks with pinpoint long balls. His leadership qualities have made him a mentor to younger players in the squad. - Li Hao (China)
Li Hao, a promising 22-year-old goalkeeper, is the future of Shenzhen Peng City FC’s goalkeeping department. Having risen through the club’s youth academy, Li made his first-team debut in 2023 and has since impressed with his agility and quick decision-making. Although still developing, his potential has drawn comparisons to legendary Chinese goalkeeper Zeng Cheng. Li’s growth has been nurtured by the club’s coaching staff, ensuring he is ready to step up when called upon.
Defenders
- Wang Shenchao (China)
Wang Shenchao, a versatile defender capable of playing both center-back and right-back, has been a mainstay in Shenzhen Peng City’s backline since his arrival in 2021. The 34-year-old Chinese international brings a wealth of experience, having previously played for Shanghai SIPG, where he won the Chinese Super League title in 2018. Wang’s tactical intelligence and ability to read the game make him a vital asset in both defensive and offensive transitions. His transfer fee of €2 million has proven to be a shrewd investment. - Kim Min-jae (South Korea)
Kim Min-jae, affectionately known as “The Monster” for his physical dominance, joined Shenzhen Peng City in 2023 from Napoli for a record-breaking fee of €15 million. The 28-year-old South Korean international is a towering presence at 6’4” and excels in aerial duels and one-on-one situations. Kim’s ability to play out from the back and his leadership qualities have solidified his role as the team’s defensive anchor. His arrival marked a significant statement of intent from the club. - Rafael Tolói (Brazil)
A veteran of European football, Rafael Tolói signed for Shenzhen Peng City in 2024 after a successful spell at Atalanta in Serie A. The 34-year-old Brazilian brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality, having lifted the Coppa Italia during his time in Italy. Tolói’s versatility allows him to play as a center-back or right-back, and his ability to contribute to the attack with overlapping runs adds an extra dimension to the team’s play. His transfer fee of €5 million reflects his value to the squad. - Liu Yiming (China)
Liu Yiming, a 26-year-old Chinese defender, joined Shenzhen Peng City in 2022 from Tianjin Jinmen Tiger for a fee of €1.8 million. Known for his physicality and aerial prowess, Liu has become a key figure in the team’s defensive setup. His ability to play as a center-back or defensive midfielder provides the coach with tactical flexibility. Liu’s consistent performances have earned him a call-up to the Chinese national team, further cementing his status as one of the country’s top defenders. - Zhang Linpeng (China)
Zhang Linpeng, often referred to as the “Chinese Ramos” for his aggressive playing style, joined Shenzhen Peng City in 2023 from Guangzhou Evergrande. The 35-year-old right-back is known for his tireless work rate and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. Zhang’s experience and leadership have been invaluable to the team, and his transfer fee of €1.2 million was a steal for a player of his caliber.
Midfielders
- Paul Pogba (France)
In a blockbuster move, Shenzhen Peng City FC signed Paul Pogba in 2024 from Juventus for a staggering fee of €20 million. The 32-year-old French international brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the midfield. Pogba’s vision, passing range, and ability to score spectacular goals make him a fan favorite. Despite facing injury setbacks in recent years, Pogba has shown glimpses of his world-class talent and remains a key player for the team. - Sergej Milinković-Savić (Serbia)
Sergej Milinković-Savić joined Shenzhen Peng City in 2023 from Lazio for a fee of €25 million, making him one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history. The 29-year-old Serbian midfielder is a complete player, excelling in both defensive and offensive roles. His physicality, technical skills, and goal-scoring ability have made him a cornerstone of the team’s midfield. Milinković-Savić’s arrival signaled the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level. - Wu Xi (China)
Wu Xi, the captain of the Chinese national team, joined Shenzhen Peng City in 2022 from Jiangsu Suning. The 35-year-old midfielder is known for his leadership, work rate, and ability to control the tempo of the game. Wu’s experience and tactical awareness make him a vital cog in the team’s midfield. His transfer fee of €1.5 million was a bargain for a player of his quality and influence. - Héctor Herrera (Mexico)
Héctor Herrera, a seasoned Mexican international, signed for Shenzhen Peng City in 2024 from Houston Dynamo for a fee of €4 million. The 34-year-old midfielder is known for his tenacity, passing accuracy, and ability to break up opposition play. Herrera’s experience in top European leagues, including La Liga and the Premier League, has been invaluable to the team’s midfield dynamics. - Li Yuanyi (China)
Li Yuanyi, a 27-year-old Chinese midfielder, joined Shenzhen Peng City in 2023 from Shandong Taishan for a fee of €2 million. Known for his energy and box-to-box playing style, Li has become a fan favorite for his relentless work rate and ability to contribute to both defense and attack. His performances have earned him a regular spot in the Chinese national team.
Forwards
- Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)
Romelu Lukaku, one of the most prolific strikers in world football, joined Shenzhen Peng City in 2024 from Chelsea for a fee of €30 million. The 31-year-old Belgian international brings a wealth of experience and a proven goal-scoring record. Lukaku’s physicality, pace, and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for defenders. His arrival has elevated the team’s attacking prowess and drawn global attention to the club. - Wu Lei (China)
Wu Lei, often referred to as the “Chinese Maradona,” has been a key player for Shenzhen Peng City since joining in 2021 from Espanyol. The 33-year-old forward is known for his speed, dribbling skills, and ability to score crucial goals. Wu’s experience in La Liga has been invaluable, and his transfer fee of €2.5 million has proven to be a bargain. - Gabriel Barbosa (Brazil)
Gabriel Barbosa, commonly known as Gabigol, signed for Shenzhen Peng City in 2023 from Flamengo for a fee of €18 million. The 28-year-old Brazilian forward is a natural goal scorer, with a knack for finding the back of the net in crucial moments. Gabigol’s flair and technical skills have made him a fan favorite, and his partnership with Lukaku has been a highlight of the team’s attack. - Alan Carvalho (Brazil)
Alan Carvalho, a Brazilian forward, joined Shenzhen Peng City in 2022 from Guangzhou Evergrande for a fee of €3 million. The 32-year-old is known for his versatility, capable of playing as a striker or winger. Alan’s pace, dribbling, and ability to create chances have made him a valuable asset to the team’s attacking options. - Chen Pu (China)
Chen Pu, a 24-year-old Chinese forward, is one of the most promising young talents in the squad. Having risen through the club’s youth academy, Chen made his first-team debut in 2022 and has since impressed with his technical skills and goal-scoring ability. His potential has drawn comparisons to Wu Lei, and the club is keen to nurture his development.
Conclusion
Shenzhen Peng City FC’s 2025 squad is a perfect blend of experience, talent, and ambition. With a mix of international stars and homegrown talents, the team is well-equipped to compete at the highest level. The club’s strategic signings and focus on youth development have laid the foundation for sustained success. As the new season approaches, fans can look forward to an exciting brand of football and the possibility of silverware. Shenzhen Peng City FC is undoubtedly a rising force in the footballing world.