Yan was invited to join the academy of Villarreal in 2013 from Dali Ruilong, as part of the Wanda Group initiative to bring young Chinese players to Spanish clubs.
[3] Yan returned briefly to China, helping Shandong Luneng Taishan win the Weifang Cup in 2018.
[5] In July 2019, Yan signed his first professional contract with fourth tier Tercera División side, CD Roda.
[6] In April 2022, Yan signed with Chinese Super League side Tianjin Jinmen Tiger.
[1] He would make his debut in a league game on 7 November 2022 against Hebei F.C.