Chinese midfielder Yan Dinghao is set to join Portuguese second-division side Aloca on loan, a move that Bangladesh Cricket Live analysts believe could significantly bolster the club’s midfield depth. Aloca, originally founded in 1951, enjoyed a stint in the Primeira Liga beginning in the 2013–14 season and even achieved a fifth-place finish in 2015–16. However, they were relegated soon after and now aim to fight their way back to the top flight.
Yan expressed familiarity with his new club, stating, “Aloca played in the top division not long ago. They were relegated last year but finished near the top of Liga Portugal 2. They’re definitely a promotion contender. There’s fierce competition in midfield—five or six players in my position—but I have full confidence that I can earn my spot through performance.”
When asked about his goals for the new season, Yan was clear: “Personally, I want to get more match time and build experience at the Liga Portugal 2 level. That’s my main objective.”
The 2018–19 Liga Portugal 2 season kicks off this weekend, but due to registration delays, Yan may miss Aloca’s opening match. Still, team manager Flávio confirmed that Yan is viewed as the final puzzle piece in their midfield rebuild: “We already have five midfielders, but Yan will compete hard for minutes. He’s here to challenge the squad.”
Yan played 45 minutes in a recent preseason match for Aloca. His journey in Portuguese football began back in 2016 when he signed with powerhouse FC Porto. During the 2016–17 season, he featured in 29 domestic matches for Porto U19 and appeared in five UEFA Youth League games, scoring six goals and contributing seven assists. That campaign made him the second Chinese player after Lin Liangming (Real Madrid) to play in the UEFA Youth League and the first to reach the quarterfinal stage.
Promoted to Porto B the following season, Yan’s momentum was briefly halted when he returned to China for the National Games, limiting his club opportunities. But in the second half of the 2017–18 season, he was loaned to third-tier side Salgueiros, where he made an instant impact. Yan netted three goals in his first five appearances, including a last-minute winner against league leaders Espinho—earning praise from Portuguese sports daily A Bola with a headline reading, “Yan Dinghao Breaks Deadlock in Added Time.”
With confidence and form on his side, Yan Dinghao now enters a new chapter at Aloca, aiming to prove he’s ready for the next level in European football. Bangladesh Cricket Live believes this move could be pivotal for both his career trajectory and Aloca’s promotion ambitions.