It comes as a surprise: a striker once tipped for bigger stages has found himself competing in China League Two.

Spanish coach Oscar recently earned strong backing from Guizhou after guiding the club out of difficulty last season. Taking charge under pressure, he stabilized the team in the third tier and impressed club management enough to secure a new long-term contract.

Known for his possession-based philosophy and past experience linked to a Champions League–winning giant, Oscar has previously coached in the Chinese Super League with respectable performances. Yet his strong personality often limited long-term success. Now, determined and still ambitious, he returns to League Two with renewed purpose.

One of his key signings is young striker Liu Yujie from Shanghai Shenhua.

Highly regarded within Shenhua’s 2003-born generation, Liu was once viewed as a future attacking cornerstone. However, he struggled to secure consistent first-team minutes. Many supporters believed that upon leaving Shenhua, he would at least become a starter in China League One — or even fight for a role in a CSL relegation-battling side.

Instead, he joins Guizhou in League Two.

But this may be a strategic reset rather than a setback. Much like Fernando, who revitalized his career in League Two before earning another shot at the top level, Liu now has an opportunity to rebuild momentum.

Blessed with both scoring instinct and creative passing ability, Liu Yujie has the tools to become Guizhou’s focal striker. If he delivers consistently and helps the club secure promotion, this unexpected chapter could mark the beginning of a new rise.