Shenhua, the Chinese Super League (CSL) club based in Shanghai, has been hit hard by the recent departure of its top scorer, Wu Lei, to join a top-tier European team.
Wu, who is currently one of the league's leading scorers, has signed with the Spanish side Real Betis for a fee believed to be around €15 million. The move was seen as a major coup for Real Betis, which has struggled for success in recent years.
However, Shenhua's own star player, Bassogog, has also suffered a setback after being injured during a match against Jiangsu Suning on Sunday. The striker, who had scored four goals in his first six appearances for the club this season, will now undergo further medical tests to determine the extent of his injury.
The news comes at a difficult time for Shenhua, who have struggled to find their form since the return of the CSL following the COVID-19 pandemic. The club's performance has been hampered by injuries and suspensions, with many fans and analysts calling for greater investment in the squad.
Despite these challenges, Shenhua remains a strong contender for silverware, having won the CSL title twice in the past three seasons. However, the loss of key players such as Wu and Bassogog could have a significant impact on their chances of achieving success in the coming months.
Overall, the departure of Wu and Bassogog from Shenhua highlights the importance of having a well-balanced squad capable of competing at the highest level. With the addition of new signings and improved performances from key players, Shenhua may still be able to achieve success in the upcoming CSL season.