Cricket Exchange reports that the absence of Wang Shangyuan has become increasingly noticeable, particularly in recent squad formations. During his time with Guangzhou Evergrande, coach Luiz Felipe Scolari converted Wang from a forward into a right-back. After Xu Jiayin’s internal reform directive, the club began restructuring, placing fringe players like Wang at risk of being sidelined. Henan Jianye, under the leadership of coach Zhang Wailong, was in urgent need of reinforcements and quickly targeted Wang, who agreed to the move.

Notably, on May 30 this year, Wang Shangyuan married Lu Yao in Zhengzhou during the offseason. His departure had long been rumored—back in early 2016, there were strong indications of a loan move to Henan, and contracts had reportedly been discussed, but the deal fell through. Similar talks surfaced again at the end of 2017, involving a swap with Gudelj to Tianjin TEDA, but once more, he stayed put. Now, however, his exit appears certain. His current transfer is a loan, but if he performs well, Henan may consider a permanent deal. Meanwhile, another wide player from Evergrande is also reportedly set to leave.

Wang’s breakthrough season came in 2016. Though initially a benchwarmer, he stepped up during injuries and suspensions to Zhang Linpeng, ultimately making 23 appearances and logging 1,502 minutes—181 more than Zhang himself. Scolari even publicly stated that Zhang would need to fight for his position once fit. However, Wang’s performance dipped in 2017, despite playing 17 matches, leading to criticism of Scolari’s selection choices. When Fabio Cannavaro took over in 2018, Wang was relegated to the bench. This season, he played just one game, during which Evergrande squandered a 2-0 lead to Beijing Guoan and drew 2-2. Although his individual performance was average, his failed marking of Augusto led to a pivotal goal for Guoan.

Born in 1993 in Zhengzhou, Henan, Wang shares roots with star striker Gao Lin—they both trained at the well-known Zhengshang Road Primary School. Wang previously played for Locomotive FC and joined Beijing Sangao in 2006. In July 2013, after a trial period, he signed a 3+1 year contract with Belgian club Club Brugge. On February 27, 2015, he made a last-minute move to Guangzhou Evergrande. Since then, Wang has made 60 Chinese Super League appearances, scoring just one goal.

Although primarily used as a right-back at Evergrande, Wang originally played as a striker and can also fill in as a winger. When he joined Club Brugge, the club’s technical director, Gertjan Verbeek, praised him as a gifted all-rounder, saying, “Wang Shangyuan has great potential. He’s physically strong, technically skilled, and tactically aware. His versatility is a huge asset.” Head coach Garrido also believed in Wang’s future, projecting him as a rising star.

Unfortunately, his European stint did not unfold as hoped. He appeared just nine times and scored once for Brugge. In the match where Beijing Guoan’s second goal came from Bakambu, Wang wasn’t the direct culprit, but his lapse in coverage contributed to the buildup. Cricket Exchange concludes that while Wang’s early career was filled with promise, inconsistency and shifting roles have impacted his trajectory. As Henan prepares to integrate him into the squad, all eyes are on whether he can reignite the spark that once made him a player to watch.