Meet the former England Wonderkid who plays in exile under a completely different name

He once stood toe to toe with Liverpool At Anfield. Now he attracts the red of China, answers in a new name and wins titles thousands of kilometers from where it all started.

Tyias Browning, now known as Jiang Guangtai, is perhaps just the most fascinating reinvention of football – and at the age of 30 he blooms in a world that few expected.

Browning was once tipped for the top. A no-nonsense center-back comes through the ranks EvertonHe looked at the future every centimeter Premier League Normal. English youth caps? Tap. MerseSide Derby debut? Tap.

In just 20 years old, he was praised as one of the most promising young defenders in the country. His rough potential was clear when he raised the ranks of the national youth teams and earned five caps for the English U21s between 2014 and 2015. But the breakthrough never came completely.

While he showed his capacities in various loan spells, including Stints at Wigan, Preston North End and SunderlandIt was clear that a regular place in the Premier League was not in the cards for Browning. The promise was there, but perhaps not the chance.

Instead of gently sliding into the lower competitions, he did something that few English players dared to do – he started again. Not in the EFL, but in the Chinese Super League.

Former Everton -defender Tyias Browning is now known as Jiang Guangtai in China

At the age of 20 he was praised as one of the most promising young defenders in the country

The 30-year-old defender now plays for China thanks to his mother’s side grandfather

His move to China coincided with a wider push through Chinese football to recruit naturalized players – individuals with ties with the country, who could help increase the level of domestic football and compete at international level.

Speaking about his move to East Asia in 2019, Browning told the Mirror: “People said I was a bit young to come to China, but I came here for a new challenge and I enjoy it.”

He also spoke strongly about his former manager, Fabio Cannavaro, who was in charge of Guangzhou during his time in the club.

“You couldn’t ask anyone better to work with as a defender,” he added.

For many, the movement moved eyebrows. But for Browning it was an opportunity to start fresh in a rapidly growing football scene. However, it was not just about football; It was about resetting his future.

Thanks to his mother’s side, Browning was eligible for Chinese citizenship. With the decision to embrace his Chinese heritage, Browning officially changed his name to Jiang Guangtai – a symbolic and literal new start.

And far from a novelty, he is now one of the most trusted defenders in China.

Since his international debut in 2021, Browning has quietly collected more than 30 caps and once scored against Palestine.

The move from Browning to China coincided with a wider push of Chinese football to recruit attress players

Browning arranges the ball during the 2024 CFA Cup final match between Shandong Taishan and Shanghai Port

The former Toffees defender has thrown in East -Asia and won the Chinese Super League with both Guangzhou and Shanghai Port

At club level he did not arrange himself alone – he played the leading role. Win the competition with Guangzhou. Become a leader in the port of Shanghai. Til back-to-back titles. While adapting to a new culture, a new language and the enormous pressure of representing 1.4 billion people.

His transformation is more than a passport change. It is a study in reinvention. And in a football world often obsessed with success at night, Browning’s journey is a memory that sometimes the most remarkable career are the ones who take a detour.