Title: Qingdao Manatee in Talks to Sign Naturalized Player Alan, Aims to Boost National Football Team’s Striker Strength
Qingdao Manatee, a Chinese Super League club, is reportedly interested in signing naturalized international player Alan. The club has initiated discussions with Alan’s agent regarding a potential transfer. While the cooperation conditions are yet to be finalized, both parties are expected to further communicate on the contract details. If the deal goes through, it would not only aid Manatee in their quest to avoid relegation but also indirectly strengthen the national football team’s striker lineup.
Alan, who will turn 34 in less than 20 days, has represented the national football team in 10 matches, scoring three goals. However, he was released by his former club, Guangzhou Football Club, in February of last year. It wasn’t until June that he found a new team in Fluminense, a veteran club in Brazil.
Unfortunately, Alan’s form suffered a setback after representing the national team in an away game against Vietnam on February 1 last year. He was unable to represent the team again and faced a prolonged absence from systematic training. It wasn’t until September 28 that he made his first appearance for Fluminense in the 2022 season of the Brazilian League, scoring his first goal on November 9.
In the current 2023 season, Alan’s situation at Fluminense has been less than ideal. In the team’s third-round match against Fortaleza on April 29, Alan made his debut and scored a goal before halftime. However, he was substituted in the second half, and the team suffered a 2-4 defeat.
After 11 rounds of the Brazilian League this season, Fluminense sits in 5th place with 5 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses. Alan has only managed to score one goal, facing stiff competition from other talented forwards in the team. With limited playing time, a transfer may be the best option for Alan to revive his career.
Qingdao Manatee, currently second from the bottom in the Super League standings with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 8 losses, is in dire need of talent. Among the 10 goals they have scored, defender Zhang Wei and forward Kang Gua have contributed three goals each. Strengthening their attacking power is crucial for Manatee to avoid relegation, and Alan, with his successful experience in the Chinese Super League, is seen as a promising candidate.
It is important to note that Alan is still under contract with Fluminense. Even if both clubs and the player reach an agreement on the transfer, Manatee will have to pay a significant economic price to secure his services. Compared to Rongcheng’s acquisition of Exxon with no transfer fee, Manatee faces greater financial pressure in their pursuit of Alan.
In addition to bolstering their own squad, Manatee’s interest in Alan is also driven by a desire to indirectly support the national football team during their relegation battle. Chengdu Rongcheng Club previously signed another naturalized forward, Exxon, with the aim of strengthening the national team’s striker lineup. Exxon’s impressive performances in the first 12 rounds of the league, scoring four goals, make his return to the national team a logical progression. If Alan can secure regular playing time in the Super League, his return to the national team would be a matter of time. With the support of several naturalized players, the national football team may gain more confidence in their pursuit of a spot in the top 36 of the 2026 World Preliminaries, scheduled to begin in November, as well as the upcoming Asian Cup.
The Qingdao Manatee Club’s pursuit of Alan highlights their ambition to improve their squad and indirectly contribute to the national football team’s success. The potential signing of Alan would not only aid Manatee in their relegation battle but also enhance the national team’s striker strength.
What impact does Qingdao Manatee hope that signing Alan will have on both their own performance in the Chinese Super League and the national team’s striker strength
The Chinese Super League standings, is in dire need of strengthening their striker lineup. The team has struggled to find the back of the net consistently, resulting in a lackluster performance in matches. By signing Alan, they hope to inject some much-needed firepower into their attack.
Alan’s experience and international exposure make him an attractive target for Qingdao Manatee. His previous stint with Guangzhou Football Club showcased his abilities as a goal scorer, and his record with the national team further highlights his potential impact on the pitch. With 10 appearances and three goals, Alan has proven himself on the international stage.
While negotiations are still underway, both parties are eager to reach a favorable agreement. Qingdao Manatee sees this potential transfer as an opportunity to not only improve their rankings in the Super League but also indirectly bolster the national team’s striker strength. With a stronger domestic league, the national team will have a deeper pool of talented players to choose from.
Alan’s recent stint at Fluminense in Brazil has had its ups and downs. He faced setbacks in his form and suffered from a prolonged absence due to various circumstances. However, he managed to make his way back onto the field and even scored a goal for his team. Despite the challenges he has faced, Alan remains determined to contribute to his team’s success.
If the transfer goes through, Alan will have the chance to revive his career and prove himself once again. Qingdao Manatee, on the other hand, will benefit from his expertise and goal-scoring abilities. They will be hoping that this signing will be a turning point for their struggling team and help them climb out of the danger zone in the Super League standings.
This potential signing of Alan by Qingdao Manatee could bring a much-needed boost to both the national football team and their relegation battle. His naturalized status adds an exciting dynamic to the team and could potentially elevate their performance on the field. Exciting times ahead!