It would be very interesting to see what standard these players are. Even their first team squad would probably not be head and shoulders better than NPL level I'd imagine.ADELAIDE United’s tight sister link with China’s Qingdao Red Lions is tipped to see about four Chinese players rewarded with a long stay in SA but none are expected to be A-League ready.
The Chinese can’t represent the Reds in the NPL due to an outdated Football Federation SA rule which states Adelaide United cannot field foreign players in its second team.
The ruling halted Barcelona legend Guillermo Amor’s teenage son Guille from playing NPL for the Reds.
He is now on the books of Barcelona.
Reds club officials have now contacted a few NPL clubs including Croydon Kings to see if they’re interested in signing Chinese players linked to Qingdao Red Lions.
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/fo ... a6c4b4900f
The article doesn't say if they are youth players or senior players.
Hopefully the club can keep developing their relationship with the FFSA and the rules around the make up of their NPL side can become more flexible.
https://www.ffsa.com.au/board-members-landing-page
Looking at the current board you'd think the club would have a fair few friends considering how many on the board have direct links with the club. I know Francis Wong left the club to take on a role with the FFSA board. If there is anyone who expresses an interest in SA building relationships with Asia its him.
Otherwise I wonder if the could would look at entering a side in the FFSA? Malaysian side Harimau Muda did that in the 2014 QLD NPL season.