Liaoning Ironmen: Farewell to the China League One Assist King, Major Changes in Foreign Player Lineup

Special Contributor/Shen Jun On January 9, when Liaoning Ironmen Club revealed that Japanese midfielder Yoshihiro Bonmoto, instrumental in the club’s promotion, was leaving, numerous Liaoning fans were reluctant to see him go. The top assist provider in China League One did not join the team in the Super League campaign but instead opted to depart, which caught many fans off guard. For Liaoning supporters, the much-anticipated golden partnership of Bonmoto and Mbemba continuing to shine in the Super League turned into a disappointment, leaving only regret behind.

The separation between Yoshihiro Bonmoto and Liaoning Ironmen is arguably the most unexpected transfer story of this winter window. As the undisputed core of the team’s promotion, the Japanese midfielder delivered an outstanding performance over two seasons with Liaoning Ironmen, appearing in 55 matches, scoring 9 goals, and assisting 26 times, directly contributing to 35 goals.

Especially last season, he earned the title of China League One’s top assist provider with an impressive record of 5 goals and 19 assists in 30 matches. Leading the league with 93 key passes and boasting an 85% passing accuracy, he demonstrated exceptional midfield control, earning the nickname “China League One’s Oscar.” Thanks to his precise playmaking, Liaoning Ironmen overcame all challenges to win the league championship and brought Liaoning football back to the Super League stage.

It is puzzling to all Liaoning Ironmen fans that such a pivotal player did not stay with the team upon promotion. Throughout the promotion campaign, Bonmoto’s seamless cooperation with foreign striker Mbemba was flawless; his accurate passes frequently created scoring chances for Mbemba. Their midfield-forward partnership was the driving force behind Liaoning Ironmen’s dominant performances.

On social media, fans expressed endless regret: “The connection between him and Mbemba was the most delightful sight last season, such a pity,” “We thought we would see this midfield magician in the Super League, but unfortunately, we missed out.” Even more touching is that Bonmoto had publicly stated multiple times his wish to “play in Shenyang until retirement,” making his departure all the more poignant given his strong sense of belonging to the club.

In the crucial promotion matches, it was Bonmoto’s winning goal that secured the team’s Super League qualification two rounds early. For Liaoning fans, their sorrow is not only for his exceptional skills but also for the professional spirit and deep affection for the team he showed as captain.

As Bonmoto confirmed his exit, Felipe’s contract has also expired and is unlikely to be renewed. This means that among the foreign players who helped the team get promoted last season, only Mbemba is confirmed to continue with Liaoning Ironmen in the Super League. This winter window, the club plans to bring in four new foreign players. It is reported that the team is currently negotiating with 26-year-old forward He Finio from Brazilian club Botafogo, and 25-year-old Swedish Super League defender Vagich from Hammarby.

Regarding domestic players, the club has already officially announced the signings of Li Tixiang, Tian Ziyi, and Dilimulati. Along with the announcement of 12 players leaving the club, a large-scale recruitment effort is expected in the future. Among them, Yan Dinghao, who played for Chengdu Rongcheng last season, is very close to joining the team.