Lee Nguyen n Rumors

I has been enjoying reading Vietnamese newspapers lately. There are tons of news about 'superstar' Cong Vinh, 'golden boy' Van Quyen and especially jobless Lee Nguyen on the first page everyday. Reading them is really a good way to have yourself relaxed and find some fun on a boring day.

Well, it has been 2 weeks since Lee was fired by Hoang Anh Gia Lai. Yet, he has not come back to the States as expected and the truth is he is currently staying in Sai Gon, considering his future. Despite being a jobless player, Lee Nguyen still attracts a lot of attention from the press and fans. On Mar 3, he was seen training with Ho Chi Minh City FC, a first division club (this was true, not rumor). His sudden appearance brought a lot of supporters to the stadium that is quite strange in Sai Gon nowadays. That's what Lee Nguyen is doing now: training with some football clubs or sometimes his fitness coach to retain his form. In short, he is still remaining in Vietnam and waiting for offers.

Lee's father, who is working like his son's agent in Vietnam at the moment, has recently stated that if any Vietnamese club wants Lee, they must offer a monthly salary not less than US$10,000 and 10 billion VND (US$ 530,000) of signing fee (RUMOR!). Rumor also says The Vissai Ninh Binh and Ha Noi T&T from northern part of Vietnam are interested despite his high demand.

However, I think Lee would only sign for another Vietnamese club if it is 'ambitious', 'professional', 'financially strong' and better playing in continental competitions. There are not many clubs like that in Vietnam. Nevertheless Binh Duong emerges as biggest candidate for his signature (RUMOR!). The club is based in Thu Dau Mot, right next to Lee's homeland and V-League 2009 runner-up, which is playing in AFC Cup, is always regarded as one of the best in Vietnam. Moreover, Binh Duong is missing one slot of foreigner after the sudden death of Argentine striker Molina. It's gonna be perfect for both sides if a deal goes ahead. Yet Lee's income demand is still main obstacle.

In my personal opinion, in case Lee Nguyen still wants to play in Vietnam, I suggest him take Vietnamese citizenship. Many Vietnamese clubs will be ready to offer big money for a quality domestic player and then 10 billion VND is not a big problem. Moreover, if Lee were Vietnamese, his chance of joining a club from Japan, South Korea or China would be much higher because each club from those leagues can register one player from another AFC member as domestic player. Then Lee can start a new chapter in his Asian adventure (RUMOR!) !