Revolution at Ha Noi ACB?

Gaston Merlo

Among 4 Ha Noi-based clubs (Ha Noi T&T, Hoa Phat Ha Noi, Ha Noi ACB and Viettel FC), Ha Noi ACB has the biggest fanbase after its city rival The Cong was disbanded last year. The club, however, has never come up to expectation, usually struggling to stay at V-League and was relegated two years ago. But it seems things start to get brighter for Ha Noi ACB from now on.

After getting promoted for V-League 2011, to strengthen its squad, Ha Noi ACB was reported to have almost completed a 2-year deal with V-League top scorer Gaston Merlo. Besides, the club is now leading in the race of signing Hai Phong's player Leandro, who is running out of contract at the end of this season. One main obstacle is the high income request of the Brazilian midfielder who demands a monthly salary up to US$15,000 plus US$200,000 of signing fee. In addition to two best names of V-League 2009, Ha Noi ACB also casts its eyes on former Da Nang striker Almeida and Binh Duong top marksman Huynh Kesley Alves.

Gaston Merlo and Leandro were officially voted as two best players of V-League 2009

With regard to Ha Noi ACB's current players, Vietnamese Golden Ball winner Pham Thanh Luong is likely to stay. Sierra Leone international Hassan Sesay will take Vietnamese nationality after spending 5 years playing for the club. Moreover, a number of good players will get contract renewal.

Ha Noi ACB Youth Academy, located at My Dinh, is going to be completed soon.