Joining hands with Ramiro + more than ten new signings! Shenzhen Youth aims for promotion

Reporter Wang Wei reporting On the night of December 23, Shenzhen Youth Club confirmed that Ramiro Amare, former interim head coach of Beijing Guoan’s first team, would take over as head coach, fully responsible for the team’s competitive matters and leading them in the upcoming season’s tournaments. The previous day, Shenzhen Youth announced that Zhang Jun stepped down as first-team head coach, concluding three years of cooperation.

Regarding Zhang Jun’s departure, Shenzhen Youth’s general manager Li Chunhao wrote a special message for the coach they worked with for three years: “Three years of trials and progress, from scratch to China League One; the phrase ‘passing the torch’ captures all the original intentions and perseverance. There is so much reluctance in my heart towards you. We have been through so much together in these three years, creating many miracles that belong to us. You once told me that ambition is not about age, and without ambition, even a hundred years is wasted. Over these years, you gave me many suggestions and encouragements. The flame of Shenzhen football shines brighter because of you, forever in our hearts — the great Coach Zhang of Shenzhen Youth!”

Late on December 23, the Shenzhen Youth Club announced Ramiro’s appointment.

Ramiro, from Spain, has a professional background spanning both beach soccer and eleven-a-side football, along with extensive coaching experience. After becoming a coach, he managed several national beach soccer teams, gaining rich international coaching expertise. His eleven-a-side coaching career began with the U19 squad of Spain’s Lugo club, and he also served as a technical analyst at Portugal’s Braga club.

In the 2022–2023 season, at the invitation of renowned Spanish coach Setién, Ramiro served as the first assistant coach for La Liga’s Villarreal first team, playing a key role in the coaching staff that helped the team finish fifth in the league that season. Afterwards, he followed Setién to China, serving as first assistant coach at Beijing Guoan, deeply involved in tactical planning and daily training.

In October 2025, after Setién resigned as Beijing Guoan’s first-team head coach, Ramiro took over as interim head coach, achieving a record of 4 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses, and led Guoan to win the 2025 FA Cup.

After the season ended, Ramiro was not offered a contract renewal by Guoan, but he chose to stay in China and continue coaching by signing with Shenzhen Youth.

Shenzhen Youth Club stated that Ramiro possesses tactical skills tested in Europe’s top leagues and will bring fresh development momentum and tactical vision to the club. In the new season, Shenzhen Youth will adhere to the belief of “fighting for Shenzhen,” solidify training, optimize systems, and sharpen their style, aiming to build a team with distinct tactics and strong character.

It is reported that Shenzhen Youth signed Ramiro for one year, and both parties have set the goal of promotion for the new season. Ramiro is expected to arrive in Shenzhen in early January 2026 to officially start coaching the team.

Shenzhen Youth has already begun recruiting domestic and foreign players. According to preparations for the new season, compared to last year, they plan to bring in 10 to 12 new players. On the foreign player front, Shenzhen Youth hopes to sign top-tier players from the Chinese Super League, with Brazilian foreign player Rodriguinho, who previously played for Meizhou Hakka, expected to join.