Montgomery Makes Statement! Beijing Guoan Could Start with 8 Foreign Players + 1 Naturalized Player

On September 10, 2026, according to an interview on the domestic sports program "Tiantian Sports," Beijing Guoan head coach Montgomery stated that Beijing Guoan will give its full effort to play well in its first AFC Champions League match. It is understood that the foreign players registered specifically for the AFC Champions League have already joined training, and all Beijing Guoan players attach great importance to the competition. The team will aim to perform well in its opening match. Since the AFC Champions League does not limit the number of foreign players, if Beijing Guoan truly wants to go all out against its opponents, it could field a powerful starting lineup of eight foreign players plus one naturalized player.

This will be Beijing Guoan's first AFC Champions League appearance in five years. In recent years, Chinese Super League teams have had disappointing results in the AFC Champions League. This time, Beijing Guoan is not only fighting for itself but also representing the Chinese Super League. Under these circumstances, the club specifically brought in two foreign players registered for the AFC Champions League and is preparing to give its best effort in the competition. It is understood that the club is paying close attention to all aspects, including commercial operations and preparations, and is waiting for September 15 to deliver an exciting match for fans while achieving an ideal result.

Therefore, in an ideal situation, Guoan may field an extremely strong lineup of eight foreign players plus one naturalized player. Data shows that 35 first-team Beijing Guoan players will participate in the AFC Champions League, including eight foreign players: Ramos, Conte, Nkololo, Spajic, Shadrach, Dudziak, Fabio, and Davan. According to the latest information from well-known blogger "Elefse," previously injured foreign players Conte and Spajic have appeared at the training base and joined AFC Champions League-specific foreign players Shadrach and Dudziak in team training.

With five days remaining before the match, Conte and Spajic's physical conditions have improved. If conditions allow, they could start the match. Although Davan received an additional suspension and had his season ended early, his suspension only applies to the Chinese Super League platform. Davan's Chinese Super League suspension may actually be beneficial for the AFC Champions League, as he can preserve enough energy and focus entirely on the AFC Champions League. Nkololo's situation is similar to Davan's. In July this year, Nkololo was removed from the Chinese Super League registration list, and he did not participate in subsequent Chinese Super League matches.

Nkololo is now also in full fitness and can give his all in the AFC Champions League. This season, although Fabio's goal statistics are not as good as those of domestic striker Zhang Yuning, Fabio remains an indispensable main forward for Beijing Guoan because he can threaten opponents' goals. Defender Ramos not only has strong defensive ability but can also score goals, making him a key part of the team's defense. Head coach Montgomery stated that Shadrach and Dudziak have integrated into the team. It appears that the two new AFC Champions League signings have a strong chance of starting.

In addition, Beijing Guoan also has national-team-level naturalized player Serginho. In this season's Chinese Super League, Serginho has scored five goals and provided seven assists, showing good scoring efficiency. Currently, the in-form Serginho has also been selected for the latest national team training squad. Taking everything into account, Beijing Guoan could field a powerful lineup of eight foreign players plus one naturalized player in its AFC Champions League opener. Although opponents Pohang Steelers appear difficult to handle, Guoan still has a chance to win. What do you think, can Guoan achieve a winning start in the AFC Champions League? Feel free to leave comments and discuss.