Former Manchester United Player Tahith Chong Set to Join Branko Ivankovic's China National Team

The China national football team, aiming to enhance its performance in forthcoming international tournaments, is reportedly set to naturalize five foreign players. Among them is Tahith Chong, a 25-year-old winger currently with Luton Town and formerly of Manchester United. This strategic move is part of head coach Branko Ivankovic's efforts to strengthen the team's competitiveness on the global stage.

The targeted players for naturalization include:

• Tahith Chong: A Dutch youth international known for his versatility as a winger and forward. Chong progressed through Manchester United's academy and made senior appearances between 2019 and 2022. After loan spells, he joined Birmingham City in the 2022–2023 season before transferring to Luton Town in 2023, where he has been a key player.
• Ryan Raposo: A 25-year-old Canadian winger from Vancouver Whitecaps, recognized for his agility and offensive capabilities.
• Christopher Cheng: A 23-year-old Norwegian full-back playing for Sandefjord, noted for his defensive solidity and overlapping runs.
• Oscar Maritu: A 25-year-old Congolese forward with experience in the Chinese Super League, formerly of Changzhou Xiongs, bringing a proven goal-scoring record.
• Serginho: A 29-year-old Brazilian attacking midfielder from Changchun Yatai, celebrated for his creativity and playmaking skills. Serginho has been a prominent figure in the Chinese Super League, with eight goals in 24 appearances in the 2024 season.

Chong's potential inclusion is particularly noteworthy due to his partial Chinese heritage, which has previously sparked discussions about his eligibility for the China national team. In 2020, Chinese media speculated about his naturalization, highlighting his Chinese descent. His recent performances, including a goal against Tottenham Hotspur in March, have kept him in the spotlight. Despite Luton Town's relegation, Chong remained with the club, contributing two goals in 17 matches this season.

Under Ivankovic's leadership, China aims to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, seeking its first appearance since 2002. Currently positioned in Group C of the third round of qualifiers, China faces a challenging path, with two wins and four losses placing them at the bottom of the group. The naturalization of these players is viewed as a strategic effort to enhance the team's prospects and achieve a significant breakthrough in international football.