Li’s spell at Beijing was beset with injuries for several seasons but he steadily returned to fitness in 2023, earning a recall to the China PR squad under Aleksandar Jankovic. However, he missed the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 due to family reasons.

The 31-year-old, also known as Nico Yennaris, played 23 times in the Chinese Super League for Beijing in the 2024 campaign as the club finished in fourth position.

He has signed for a Shenhua side that narrowly missed out on winning the 2024 Chinese Super League title, finishing one point behind champions and cross-city rivals Shanghai Port.

Shanghai Shenhua are currently ninth place in the eastern league standings in the AFC Champions League Elite with two rounds of group matches remaining.

Slutsky’s side face AFC Champions League 2023/24 runners-up Yokohama F. Marinos on February 12 before hosting J1 League champions Vissel Kobe on February 19.