CSL Opening Round Preview: Shanghai Port vs Henan - Two Players Switch Jerseys to Face Former Club, Beyond Personal Grudges

Reporter Lu Mi reports In the opening round of the 2026 CSL season, Henan will travel to face the defending champions Shanghai Port. The central narrative of this marquee matchup is the return of two former players – ex-Port foreign signing Gustavo and midfielder Abrahim. Having moved to Henan during the winter transfer window, they are set to confront their former team for the first time in new colors. Meanwhile, Henan, having completed a full pre-season, has shaped its squad through adjustments and friendly matches. Shanghai Port, with clear seasonal objectives and targeted reinforcements, embarks on its title defense. This encounter, blending nostalgia with competitive intensity, will set the stage for both teams' seasonal ambitions.

The winter 2026 transfer dealings between Shanghai Port and Henan not only reshaped both squads but also infused this opening fixture with a sense of destiny. Brazilian striker Gustavo and former U-23 midfielder Abrahim have swapped Port blue for Henan red, now standing opposite their former club, ready to justify their career choices. Their deep history with Port adds a compelling layer to this clash, making their confrontation a key subplot.

Since joining Shanghai Port in February 2024, Gustavo established himself over two years as a reliable focal point in attack and a clinical finisher, contributing 31 goals and 11 assists for Port. His debut season saw him net 20 goals, ranking third in the CSL scoring charts, and he helped the club secure two CSL titles and one Chinese FA Cup. The Brazilian center-forward combines aerial prowess with sharp instincts in the box. However, following a tactical shift at Port, Gustavo was deregistered from the CSL squad after the summer 2025 window and eventually joined Henan as a free agent, filling the void left by Cardoso's departure.

Abrahim's connections with both Henan and Port trace his career path. In the 2020 season, he was signed by Henan as an Olympic team player. However, due to prolonged national team training camps that year, he never made an official appearance for Henan, only participating in some pre-season training before his contract expired at year's end. He subsequently joined Shanghai Port as a free agent, where he made his CSL debut and scored his first top-flight goal.

But within Port's competitive midfield, Abrahim struggled with injuries and internal competition, managing only four substitute appearances in the 2025 season. His move to Henan as a free agent represents both a return to familiar ground and a crucial chance to revitalize his career. Henan values Abrahim's 1.86m frame, strong tackling ability, and extensive mobility, hoping he can become a solid shield in front of the defense.

Now, Gustavo and Abrahim return together to the SAIC Pudong Football Stadium. Facing their former club, teammates, and fans, this match is not about past grievances but about proving their current worth.

Henan has continued its tradition of 'training first, announcing later' this winter, focusing on addressing weaknesses to complete squad adjustments. Through pre-season training and several friendlies, the team has steadily improved its cohesion, thoroughly preparing for the season opener.

In terms of personnel, Henan's winter window was precise and efficient, bringing in nine new signings while securing contract extensions with several players, optimizing and stabilizing the squad. Regarding foreign players, besides signing Gustavo as a free agent to bolster the attack, the club acquired winger M'Bula, a product of La Masia, for €100,000. Known for his pace and technical skill, M'Bula has already shown promise in friendlies with goal contributions. He is expected to replace Achimpen as the new attacking threat on the wing. Key midfielder Nasario remains as the core orchestrator, while foreign defenders like Maidana and Maya stay, completing a solid five-foreigner framework.

For domestic reinforcements, Henan focused on strengthening midfield and the flanks. In addition to signing Abrahim, they brought in versatile player Yin Congyao, loaned Naibijiang from Beijing Guoan, and added young talents like Fan Xulin to deepen the bench. Notably, most new signings participated fully in the entire pre-season, avoiding past issues of disrupted preparation due to incomplete squads, leading to faster integration.

The team underwent two pre-season training phases in Kunming and Thailand, playing numerous friendlies. After the Spring Festival break, they traveled to Shanghai for matches against Ningbo FC and Dalian Yingbo, winning 4-2 and 2-1 respectively. Through this complete pre-season and multiple friendlies, Henan's tactical system has taken initial shape. Coach Ramos has continuously fine-tuned strategies during these matches, specifically honing counter-attacking patterns to leverage their strengths and find opportunities against Port in the opener.

Shanghai Port enters the new season bearing the weight of defending their title. Despite starting with a points deduction, winning the championship remains the goal. For Henan, facing the defending champions in the first match is undoubtedly a formidable challenge. The team must capitalize on its defensive strengths, particularly in central defense, to start the new campaign on a positive note.