[4] On 11 March 2018, he made his debut for the club in a 3–2 home defeat against Hebei China Fortune, replacing Min Junlin in the 88th minute.

[5] On 25 April 2018, he scored his first senior goal in a 2–1 away win over Heilongjiang Lava Spring in the 4th round of 2018 Chinese FA Cup.

[10] Zhang Yuan's contract was terminated in July 2023 after mediation, and he left the club with 76 appearances, in which he scored 5 goals and assisted 4 times.

[15] Zhang's squad status was elevated in the 2024 season, and he garnered his first start at Guoan in the headline match against old rivals Shanghai Shenhua on 4 April 2024, playing 79 minutes before being replaced in the 1–1 draw.

[17] On 17 May 2024, Zhang gave away a penalty in the 96th minute in an away game against Changchun Yatai which resulted in a 2–3 Guoan defeat, and he received widespread criticism from fans.

[18][19] Zhang's redemption moment came when he replaced Li Ke in a 2–0 home win again against Tianjin on 21 July 2024 and scored his first goal for the club in the 98th minute of the game.