The Next Evergrande? Yunnan Yukun Set for Major Boost With 4 National Team Players and 2 Brazilian Reinforcements

Yunnan Yukun are truly preparing to make a major statement next season. According to the latest reports from multiple sources, the newly promoted Chinese Super League club is in advanced discussions with four national team players and two high-profile Brazilian reinforcements. On top of that, the club is also pushing to appoint renowned Spanish coach Jordi as head coach. Such bold moves ahead of only their second season in the CSL have inevitably drawn comparisons with the rise of Guangzhou Evergrande in its early years.

Reports also reveal that Yunnan Yukun are set to part ways with their current foreign players Henrique and Nene. Both players delivered solid performances this season and would be valuable assets for many other CSL teams. However, the two Brazilian signings now being lined up boast even greater pedigree. One is the captain and defensive midfield core of a newly promoted Brazilian Série A side, while the other is the Série B Golden Boot runner-up.

Among them, Caio stands out with a market value of €2 million. At just 26 years old, he played a vital role in helping Paysandu secure promotion to Brazil’s top flight this season. Standing close to 1.9 meters tall, he possesses both physical presence and peak competitive form, making him a strong candidate to become one of the CSL’s top defensive midfielders. Meanwhile, Kleber, towering at 1.95 meters, is the silver boot winner in Série B and is already being hailed as “the next Marcon” for the Chinese Super League.

What makes Yunnan Yukun’s ambitions even more striking is their aggressive pursuit of domestic talent. After failing to finalize a deal for Wei Shihao, the club has now turned its attention to four established Chinese internationals: Deng Hanwen, Xu Xin, Huang Zichang, and Wang Ziming. These players cover multiple positions from defense to attack and all have national team experience. If completed, these signings could immediately elevate Yunnan Yukun—who finished 8th this season—to an entirely new competitive tier.

History offers a powerful parallel. When Guangzhou Evergrande entered their second CSL season, they relied on a core of national team players alongside Brazilian stars Conca and Muriqui, ultimately defending their league title in the 2012 season. Yunnan Yukun’s current wave of bold investment unmistakably echoes that blueprint. At the very least, it is now clear that next season’s objective will go far beyond simple survival in the league.