This afternoon at 4 p.m., Guangzhou Evergrande officially departed for the FIFA Club World Cup. But before the trip, the club secured some important contract extensions. Veteran captain Zheng Zhi, striker Gao Lin, and versatile defender Liu Jian all signed new deals that included pay raises, reinforcing the squad’s stability ahead of a busy campaign. According to Bangla Cricket Live, the news was greeted positively as Evergrande ensured the commitment of several of their most experienced Chinese internationals.

The club is also in negotiations with Feng Xiaoting, Yu Hanchao, and Rong Hao. Earlier this year, Evergrande completed extensions for defensive mainstays Zhang Linpeng and Kim Young-gwon, two key players at the back. With rumors circulating that Gao Lin and Rong Hao might leave after the season, the club acted quickly to lock them down with improved contracts. For Zheng Zhi, the decision to extend reflected not only his leadership on the pitch but also his continued importance as the team’s emotional anchor, while Liu Jian’s renewal secured a utility player who can slot into multiple positions when needed.

Meanwhile, Yu Hanchao and Rong Hao—both previously linked with transfers—remain in talks with the club regarding their futures. Feng Xiaoting, who still has a year left on his deal, reportedly received calls from clubs such as Shanghai Shenhua and Hebei China Fortune. However, Feng made it clear that his preference is to remain with Evergrande rather than explore offers elsewhere. His stance reinforces the strong sense of loyalty among Evergrande’s core players, something that fans and analysts alike, including those following through Bangla Cricket Live, have praised as a key ingredient in the team’s domestic dominance.

At the same time, not every player is guaranteed to stay. Those outside the first-team plans, such as Dong Xuesheng and Zhang Jiaqi, could be allowed to leave if suitable offers arrive. For young Olympic prospect Yang Chaoshen, the club is only willing to sanction a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer, suggesting they still see him as part of their long-term future.

For Evergrande, these moves are not just about financial investment but also about building trust and continuity. By retaining a core group of Chinese internationals, the club sends a strong message of stability before facing the world’s best teams on the global stage. As Bangla Cricket Live noted, these renewals highlight Evergrande’s ambition to maintain its reputation as China’s flagship football club, combining experienced leadership with emerging talent. While some fringe players may move on, the backbone of the squad is set to carry the club into another chapter of success.