Official announcement: three foreign players depart, will Shenzhen New Pengcheng adopt a new approach in 2026?

Reporter Wang Wei reports On December 10th afternoon, Shenzhen New Pengcheng officially declared that team captain Dugalić, midfielder Edu García, and forward De Leónso are leaving the club. The team will also announce several domestic players’ departures soon, and will reveal new domestic and foreign signings depending on negotiation results. This means that the squad composition for Shenzhen New Pengcheng in 2026 will undergo considerable changes.

Dugalić, Edu García, and De Leónso are all leaving after their contracts expired. Captain Dugalić joined in the 2024 season, making 56 appearances and scoring 8 goals. Known for his excellent heading, solid defense, and aggressive pressing, he became a key leader in the defense line and was hailed by fans as a “unique weapon.” Edu García joined in 2022 and has appeared 94 times across Chinese Super League and League One matches, scoring 32 goals and providing 12 assists, holding the club’s all-time scoring record. De Leónso joined Shenzhen New Pengcheng during the 2024 summer transfer window, playing 37 matches over the past year and a half, scoring 3 goals and assisting once.

Based on Shenzhen New Pengcheng’s recent moves, the club first confirmed the promotion of interim coach Chen Tao to full-time head coach, then announced the departure of three foreign players whose contracts expired. This suggests the club plans to recruit stronger players in the same positions for reinforcement.

Previously, Dugalić intended to remain with Shenzhen New Pengcheng but ultimately did not renew his contract with the club. Given his current form, he is fully capable of continuing in the Chinese Super League. After many years playing for Meizhou Hakka and Shenzhen New Pengcheng, Dugalić has integrated well into life in China and has expressed his desire to keep playing for Chinese teams.

Edu García has been a key figure in Shenzhen New Pengcheng’s fight against relegation this season, scoring crucial goals in several important matches. Although his next destination remains uncertain, both he and De Leónso still have prospects to continue competing in the Chinese league.

Since Shenzhen New Pengcheng’s promotion to the Chinese Super League in 2024, the team has narrowly avoided relegation in the final moments of two consecutive seasons. Both the club and fans hope for better results, making squad renewal inevitable. Dugalić, Edu García, and De Leónso are all over 33 years old and unfortunately did not renew their contracts. Shenzhen New Pengcheng expressed gratitude for their dedication and hard work, wishing them all the best in their future endeavors.

Currently, Shenzhen New Pengcheng only retains two foreign players: forward Wesley and midfielder Karlcev. This means the team is expected to bring in three new foreign players during the winter transfer window. After the Chinese Super League concluded in late November, many players have been linked with Shenzhen New Pengcheng, but final signings await official club announcements.

According to information from the club, New Pengcheng will strengthen the same positions as the three departing foreign players. The City Group and Shenzhen New Pengcheng Football Club are accelerating the recruitment of domestic and foreign players, while also planning to increase the development and utilization of young talents.

It is understood that Shenzhen New Pengcheng will soon announce several domestic players leaving the club. Following that, signing new players will be the primary focus. Next year marks Shenzhen New Pengcheng Football Club’s third season based in Shenzhen and competing in the Chinese Super League. Over the past two years, the team has faced relegation battles late in the season, ultimately surviving through collective determination and timely coaching changes. With Dugalić’s departure marking the end of this year’s campaign, Shenzhen is determined not to repeat the struggles of the past two seasons and is strongly motivated to take a different path forward.