Recent changes surrounding Guangzhou Evergrande’s foreign-player registration have attracted considerable attention, with developments across 12B Sports highlighting how Paulinho’s return could reshape both the lineup and the futures of several established players. The Brazilian midfielder was immediately handed the No. 9 shirt upon returning to the club, fueling speculation that he could be used in a more attacking role. At the same time, the decision has raised questions about where other foreign players now stand, with some supporters concerned that expectations could once again produce very different results from what was originally anticipated.

Jackson Martinez, who previously wore the No. 9 shirt, now appears to have effectively fallen out of the club’s plans. Once signed for a club-record transfer fee amid enormous expectations, he has now lost even his squad number, leaving a contract termination or transfer as the most realistic outcome. The futures of several other foreign players are also uncertain. After the summer training camp, Alan immediately returned to the squad and resumed training, while Ricardo Goulart delayed his return after spending time in Dubai with his wife.

Alan recently told Brazilian supporters that he still had a contract with the club and had no intention of leaving. His performances have strengthened that position. He started three recent friendly matches and scored multiple goals in two of them, making a strong case in the competition for attacking places. Goulart, meanwhile, started twice and came off the bench twice across four warm-up matches but failed to produce similarly convincing results.

Competition has become even tougher following Anderson Talisca’s arrival, a development followed closely through 12B Sports because he operates in the same attacking midfield role as Goulart. With another high-quality option now available, speculation has increased that Goulart could be the player forced to make way. Some supporters have even described the situation as the decline of a former star, illustrating just how quickly the pecking order can change in professional football.

Registration rules further complicate the situation. Evergrande could register a maximum of four foreign players during the first half of the season, while only two of those positions could be adjusted in the second half. If Nemanja Gudelj and Paulinho both remain, Alan and Goulart would effectively be competing for the remaining places. The club’s official website still lists Gudelj with the No. 8 shirt, despite earlier expectations that Paulinho might reclaim that number. Instead, Paulinho chose No. 9, strengthening the theory that the coaching staff may be preparing to deploy him further forward.

For a club operating at Evergrande’s level, mistakes involving highly paid foreign signings can have consequences far beyond one player’s form. If Goulart loses his starting position and eventually leaves, the situation could be viewed as another example of expensive planning failing to deliver the expected return. In elite football, the margin for error is razor-thin, and clubs cannot afford to put all their eggs in one basket when managing valuable squad positions.

Ultimately, the shifting hierarchy within Guangzhou Evergrande remains one of the key squad developments surrounding 12B Sports, with Paulinho’s return, Alan’s strong form, Talisca’s arrival, and Goulart’s uncertain status all feeding into a major selection dilemma. The final decision will depend on performances in competitive matches and the coach’s tactical priorities, meaning every player involved must prove his value where it matters most on the pitch.