V-League 2010: Mid-season transfer round-up

Mid-season register window of V-league 2010 was closed much earlier than I had expected. There were only a few days for Vietnamese clubs to fill their squad with new names. A lot of transfers which mostly are for foreign imports were made during this short but busy time. However, some may feel disappointed because there was no 'Denilson affair' like last last summer.LOL

SHB DA NANG

Matias

Modou

V-league defending champions have added Argentine striker Matias Recio and Gambia international Modou Jagne, who is also a striker, to their squad. To make room for newcomers, Da Nang has terminated contract of two Argentine youngsters, Cesar Cocchi and Diego Mendez.

In: Matias Recio, Modou Jagne
Out: Cesar Cocchi, Diego Mendez

HA NOI T&T

Carlos Fangueiro
(carlosfangueiro.com)

Ha Noi T&T signed Portuguese striker Carlos Fangueiro from Beira-Mar and Brazilian striker Luciano Fonseca. Both are over 30 but they are highly rated by Ha Noi T&T coach. It shows the new trend of transfers in Vietnam, oldie but goodie.
The most surprised departure is Francois Endene's move to Hoa Phat. Defender Trong Binh and Lawrence Kizito also left the club.

In: Carlos Fangueiro, Luciano Fonseca
Out: Francois Endene, Kizito Lawrence, Tran Trong Binh.

BECAMEX BINH DUONG

Abbey

Except Vietnamese-American midfielder Lee Nguyen, Becamex Binh Duong didn't make any big addition. They moved Ghanaian defender Abbey Ebenezer from TDC Binh Duong to senior team and captured defender Luu Ngoc Hung from Ho Chi Minh City FC. Amaobi and Chau Phong Hoa left the club.

In: Lee Nguyen, Abbey, Luu Ngoc Hung
Out: Amaobi, Chau phong Hoa

TDCS DONG THAP

No change was made by V-League surprise package Dong Thap.

THE VISSAI NINH BINH

Chau Phong Hoa

Ninh Binh bought Chau Phong Hoa from Binh Duong and signed Swedish player Olof Hviden-Watson. Jucelio Da Silva, who was not registered for the first phase, returned to Ninh Binh squad.

In: Chau Phong Hoa, Jucelio Da Silva, Olof Hviden-Watson, Nguyen Dinh Quy, Pham Hung Dung
Out: Sy Manh, Raphael Marques, Viet Dung, Thien Hung

XM HAI PHONG

Victor (right)
(haiphong-fc.com)

Pre-season big spender only added Argentine striker Victor Adrian Reva to their squad to replace injured Williams.

In: Victor Adrian Reva
Out: Williams

DONG TAM LONG AN

Maquemba

DT Long brought in Portuguese striker Eldon Maquemba and sold GK Phan Van Santos after his 9 years of loyal service.

In: Eldon Maquemba, Nguyen Tuan Phong, Pham Quoc Dung
Out: Van Khai, Phan Van Santos, Bogere Asman


NAVIBANK SAI GON

Phan Van Santos

Sai Gon-based club signed a lot of new players during this mid-season transfer window. Their V-League newcomers are Fofie Pascal from Cameroon, Marcelo de Sousa Porfirio from Brazil and Leandro Cruz de Oliveira, who was a member of Duque de Caxias winning BTV Cup 2009 in Binh Duong last year. They also added experienced GK Phan Van Santos and young midfielder Van Khai from DT Long An. A number of players including Suleiman, Flavio Cruz and Martins Trindade... had to leave the club.

In: Fofie Pascal, Marcelo de Sousa Porfirio, Leandro Cruz de Oliveira, Phan Van Santos, Van Khai
Out: Suleiman, Trindade, Flavio Cruz, Trieu Quang Trung, Dao Minh Son, Bui Tat Tai

HOANG ANH GIA LAI

Mijatovic and Tiago

Croatian striker Mario Mijatovic and Brazilian player Tiago de Paula are two latest signing of HAGL.

In: Mario Mijatovic, Tiago de Paula
Out: Toledo, Uwanaka, Ho Van Thuan

HOA PHAT

Francois Endene

Hoa Phat signed Cameroonian-Mexican journeyman Francois Endene from Ha Noi T&T ( Hoa Phat is his 13th club in his career and Vietnam is his 7th based nation besides Mexico, Morocco, Libya, China, Poland and Albania).
Two other new names are Ghanaian-German player William Anane and Cassiano Henrique from Brazil. The most surprising departures are the club's top scorer Eduardo Furrier as well as American defender John Krause.

In: Francois Endene, William Anane, Cassiano Paulo Henrique.
Out: John Krause, Eduardo Furrier, Kleber Santos, Huynh Nhat Thanh, Trinh Quoc Long

LAM SON THANH HOA

Kizito

Thanh Hoa signed Brazilian striker Mauro from SLNA, Ugandan defender Lawrence Kizito from Ha Noi T&T and Malian player Kalifa Dembele. Brazilian duo Gilson da Silva and Vanderlei da Silva were fired.

In: Mauro, Kizito, Kalifa Dembele, Wandwasi Rodgers, Le Quoc Phuong
Out: Gilson, Vanderlei, Ngo Tuan Tung, Nguyen Van Nam.

KHATOCO KHANH HOA

Except signing Uruguayan striker Diego Nogues, Khanh hoa didn't make any big change.

In: Adeolu Manuwa, Nguyen Tan Tai, Trieu Quang Trung, Le Cong Quoc, Diego Nogues, Bui Van Dong.
Out: Cucic Mladen.

SONG LAM NGHE AN

Ekpoki

Nigerian striker Abdulrazak Ekpoki is the only new signing of SLNA.

In: Abdulrazak Ekpoki, Thiery Ngale
Out: Mauro, Nenad Stojakovic, Pham Van The

MEGASTAR NAM DINH

Nam Dinh replaced two foreign players Arnawd Nsemn and Adtebu Lawson with Ghanaian player Mumuni Bawa and Paraguayan player Inreneo Collante.

In: Mumuni Bawa, Inreneo Collante.
Out: Arnawd Nsemn, Adtebu Lawson

Register window open

Vietnamese clubs are now allowed to register new players for the second phase of V-League. As the second phase is going to start on May 30, new additions are eligible to play straight away.

Complete list of tranfers will be posted soon!

V-League Transfer Updates

• Hoang Anh Gia Lai signed a 18-month contract with Croatian striker Mario Mijatovic from Austrian club LASK Linz.

(Image from lask.at)

• Binh Duong defender Chau Phong Hoa joined V. Ninh Binh with a 3-year contract. The transfer fee for former Vietnam Olympic player is about 1.5 billion VND (US$ 78,000).





• Portuguese striker Eldon Maquemba, who played pretty well in the Frankfurt friendly, joined Dong Tam Long An. He was brought to Vietnam by Long An new coach Ricardo.
  

Davi Rancan may move to Binh Duong

According to this article on goal.com, 28-year-old Brazilian defender Davi Rancan, who is under contract with South Africa Premier League side Moroka Swallows, is currently having a trial with Binh Duong. He is likely to become Binh Duong's second signing after Lee Nguyen in this summer. V-League transfer window will be opened next month.

Navibank Sai Gon looking for new faces

Navibank Sai Gon are looking to bring some new players to Thong Nhat Stadium with the aim of improving the performance of the new V-League club.

New coach Mai Duc Chung believes poor quality of Navibank Sai Gon squad is one of main reasons for its recent bad results so new signings will be necessary. The club have already successfully convinced Dong Tam Long An to sell young midfielder Dang Van Khai. This is their second signing after Vietnam international Long Giang moved to the Sai Gon-based club from Tien Giang. Navibank Sai Gon is also chasing goalkeeper Phan Van Santos and will try to borrow him from Dong Tam Long An.

All-time list of foreign football players in Vietnam

It's no exaggeration to say foreign players play a very important part in the success of the V-league since its birth in 2000. They come from all over the world, from South East Asian countries such as Thailand, Cambodia to far lands like Europe, America and Africa. Some spent a short time playing in Vietnam but there are some spending their whole career here. I must admit I love the colors they bring to Vietnamese football.

So, I have built the All-time list of foreign players in Vietnam in order to give football fans more info about their favourite players. The list currently covers nearly 200 players, listed by nationality.

I believe it still lacks a lot so any addition, correction or suggestion would be much appreciated.

SHB Da Nang new signing: Nicolas Hernandez

Nickname: Niko
Born: May 4, 1979 in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Height: 178 cm
Postition: Striker

Niko signed for SHB Da Nang from Costa Rican club Deportiva Alajuelense in January 2010. He has just made his debut in the match against Hai Phong in the first round of V-League 2010.

Niko began his career with Argentine club Ferro Carril Oeste in 1999 and enjoyed his best time with Huracan in 2003 and MLS side Colorado Rapids in 2006.

Clip: Niko scored for Colorado Rapids.

Stats:

1999-2000 :
Ferro Carril Oeste ( First Division – Argentina ) : 3 goals/17 games
2000-2001
COLON SANTA FE ( First Division – Argentina ) : 0 goal/ 10 games
2002 : CREMONESE ( Serie B - Italia )
2002 2003 :
San Martin de Mendoza ( Second Division - Argentina ) : 4 goals/ 21 games
2003-2005 :
Atletico HURACAN ( Second Division - Argentina ) – 18 goals/ 60 games
2005: COBREOLA ( Chile ) : 3 goals/15 games
2006-2008 : COLORADO RAPIDS ( MLS ) : 11 goals/ 54 games
2008 COLUMBIA CREW ( MLS ) : 0 goal/ 5 games
2009 Deportiva Alajuelense (Primier Costa Rica – finished 11th in 2009 ): 1 goal/ 13 games.

(Vy Thanh - danangfc.vn)

V-League 2010 Preview

V-League 2010 will start on Jan 31.
Fixtures and results can be found at vleague.vn
FULL SQUAD OF V-LEAGUE 2010 TEAMS CAN BE FOUND HERE
ALL-TIME LIST OF FOREIGN PLAYERS IN VIETNAM

1. SHB Da Nang: Champions of V-League 2009


Despite top striker Jose Emidio Almeida was not registered for the first phase due to injury, Da Nang still have a quality squad that many V-League sides dream of. Most of senior players are Vietnamese internationals, not to mention a lot of promising youngsters who are best players in U23, U21 or U19 national side. If important players like midfielder Nguyen Rogerio and striker Gaston Merlo can keep their form, Da Nang is surely biggest contender for V-League 2010 title.

Foreign players: Gaston Merlo (Argentina), Cesar Cucchi (Argentina), Diego Mendez (Argentina), Nikolas Hernandez (Argentina), Williams Christopher (USA).

Notable transfer:
In: Nikolas Hernandez, Diego Mendez, Williams Christopher, Hoang Minh Tuan.
Out: Eduardo Molina, Raphael Marques, Almeida.

2. Becamex Binh Duong: 2nd in V-League 2009


Binh Duong has a lot of attacking stars in its squad with 3 V-League top goal-scorers: Huynh Kesley Alves, Amaobi and Elenildo de Jesus. Although aging squad is a problem, Binh Duong is still considered one of best Vietnamese teams.

Foreign players: Philani Kubehka (South Africa), Egbo Osita (Nigeria), Amaobi Honest (Nigeria), Elenildo de Jesus (Brazil), Eduardo Molina (Argentina).

Notable transfer:
In: Eduardo Molina, Egbo Osita, Amaobi Honest, Elenildo de Jesus, Nguyen Minh Chuyen, Thanh Tung.
Out: Vu Nhu Thanh, Helio, Mbabazi, Lima.

3. SLNA: 3rd in V-League 2009



Last season was a big success for the Vinh-based club. Fans hope SLNA can even achieve more in coming season when the club has got over financial difficulties.

Foreign players: Goran Brasnic (Bosnia & Herzegovina), Rajko Vidovic (Bosnia & Herzegovina), Zakovic (Serbia), Miterovic (Serbia), Mauro (Brazil).

Notable transfer:
In: Lam Tan, Helio, Goran Brasnic, Rajko Vidovic, Mauro, Thierry Ngale.
Out: Thanh Hoan, Hong Tien.

4. Ha Noi T&T: 4th in V-league 2009.



Rich club Ha Noi T&T is a very ambitious side and V-League 2010 championship is the club's target.

Foreign players: Cristiano (Brazil), Benicio (Brazil), Francois Endene (Cameroon), Gonzalo (Argentina), Kizito Lawrence (Uganda).

Notable transfer:
In: Vo Duy Nam, Van Bien, Ngoc Duy, Quoc Long.
Out: Cassiano, Agostino, Minh Duc, Huy Thai.

5. CS Dong Thap: 5th in V-League 2009


Despite finishing 5th last season, Dong Thap will have to work hard to avoid relegation this season. A lot of important players have said goodbye to the club.

Foreign players: Samson Kayode (Nigeria), Olushola Aganun (Nigeria), Felix Ajala (Nigeria), Adesope Hammed (Nigeria), Sunday Jbeji (Nigeria).

Notable transfer:
In: Felix, Thai Duong, Hamed.
Out: Aniekan Ekpe, Timothy Anjembe, Quy Suu, Kim Long, Andela Atangana.

6. Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL): 6th in V-League 2009



The arrival of Kiatisuk Senamuang has inspired HAGL players to challenge for V-League 2010. Fans and players are very hungry for success.

Foreign players: Lee Nguyen (USA), Michal Silhavy (Czech Republic), Toledo (Brazil), Marcelo (Brazil), Uwanaka (Nigeria).

Notable transfer:
In: Michal Silhavy, Toledo, Marcelo, Uwanaka, Quy Suu
Out: Thonglao, Cesar, Moustapha Mane, Phan Thanh Binh.

7. Xi Mang Hai Phong (XMHP): 7th in V-league 2009



XMHP was the biggest spender in last transfer market with the arrival of series of V-League stars like Aniekan, Lazaro, John Wole, Dinh Hoang Max, Duc Duong, Bui Quang Huy... Hai Phong board wants to make XMHP a new powerhouse in Vietnam and V-League 2010 title is also the club's biggest target. A visit to Lach Tray stadium coud be a nightmare for any team.

Foreign players: Lazaro (Brazil), Aniekan Ekpe (Nigeria), John Wole (Nigeria), Williams da Silva (Brazil), Leandro Luz (Brazil).

Notable transfer:
In: Lazaro, Aniekan Ekpe, John Wole, Williams da Silva, Bui Quang Huy, Duc Duong, Dinh Hoang Max.
Out: Tuan Diep, Dang Van Thanh, Elenildo de Jesus.

8. Khatoco Khanh Hoa: 8th in V-league 2009



Depite losing some good players, Khanh Hoa is always a tough opponent for any V-League side. A mid-table finish will be a suitable target for the club.

Foreign players: Curic Mladen (Croatia), Ansah Issifu (Ghana), Mustapha Essuman (Ghana), Jonathan Quartey (Ghana), Agostinho (Brazil).

Notable transfer:
In: Curic Mladen, Agostinho.
Out: Vo Duy Nam, Felix, Nyom.

9. Lam Son Thanh Hoa (formerly The Cong): 9th in V-League 2009



Thanh Hoa started this season with the Super Cup victory over Da Nang. It was a huge boost for them as the awaiting V-League is gonna be a tough one.

Foreign player: Anthony Kankam (Ghana), Lima da Silva (Brazil), Tostao (Zimbabwe), Gilson da Silva (Brazil), Etiene Bogonba (Cameroon).

Notable transfer:
In: Le Phuoc Tu, Thach Bao Khanh, Gilson da Silva.
Out: Egbo Osita.

10. GDT Long An: 10th in V-League 2009


GDT Long An is the most quiet team among big Vietnamese clubs. Their ambition is also put under question.

Foreign players: Antonio Carlos (Brazil), Kabanga Tshamala ( DR Congo), Filip Madzovski (Macedonia), Bogere Asman (Uganda), Danny David (Tanzania).

Notable transfer:
In: Filip Madzovski, Kim Long.
Out: Viet Thang.

11.Navibank Sai Gon (formerly Quan Khu 4): 11th in V-League 2009



Navibank Sai Gon will not have to worry about financial problems like they did last season as the club is now a wealthy one. Moving its base to Sai Gon, the club wants to make V-League 2010 the first step for their long-term ambition.

Foreign players: Andrew Opara (Nigeria), Suleiman (Nigeria), Pinto da Silva (Brazil), Martins Trindade (Brazil), Flavio (Brazil).

Notable transfer:
In: Martins Trindade, Suleiman.
Out: Lazaro, Mota

12. Megastar Nam Dinh: 12th in V-League 2009


Nearly the whole first-team squad of last season has gone. Nam Dinh will have to rely on young players in V-League 2010.

Foreign players: Chinedu Nweze (Nigeria), Lawson Adtebu (Nigeria), Gaspard Yelleduor (Cameroon), Philip Okoro (Nigeria), Arnaw Nsem (Cameroon).

Notable transfer:
In: None.
Out: Bui Quang Huy, Duc Duong, Van Bien, Amaobi.

13. The Vissai Ninh Binh: Newly promoted




Ninh Binh is a very ambitious side. The clubs has just captured Viet Thang and Nhu Thanh, two biggest signings of last transfer market.

Foreign players: Junior Laerte (Brazil), Mota (Brazil), Gustavo Duarado (Brazil), Joao da Silva (Brazil), Raphael (Brazil).

Notable transfer:
In: Viet Thang, Nhu Thanh, Mota, Raphael.
Out: Dinh Hoang Max, Suleiman, Jean-Baptiste Agnimau.

14. Hoa Phat Ha Noi: Newly promoted.



Hoa Phat Ha Noi wants to prove that it's no pushover in V-League 2010. The club has set a mid-table finish as its target in the coming season.

Foreign players: Justin Myers (USA), John Krause (USA), Eduardo Furrier (Brazil), Timothy Anjembe (Nigeria), Kleber dos Santos (Brazil).

Notable transfer:
In: Eduardo Furrier, Timothy Anjembe.
Out: Belibi.

FULL SQUAD OF V-LEAGUE 2010 TEAMS CAN BE FOUND HERE
ALL-TIME LIST OF FOREIGN PLAYERS IN VIETNAM

Muangthong United completed Thonglao transfer

Thai Premier League 2009 Champs Muangthong United and Vietnamese side HAGL have come to an agreement on the transfer of Dasatkorn Thonglao. HAGL said Muangthong had decided to meet HAGL's demand of USD 200,000 as transfer fee for the Thailand international. I believe it's the new record of transfer fee in Southeast Asia.

It is very likely that Thonglao will be in Muangthong United squad which will play the ACL 2010 Playoff against Da Nang on Jan 31.

Amaobi join Binh Duong

V-League 2004 top goal-scorer Amaobi Uzowuru Honest has just signed a contract with Becamex Binh Duong. The Nigerian striker is no stranger in Go Dau Stadium as he was once a member of 'Chelsea Vietnam' in 2006 and 2007.

After V-League 2009 ended, Amaobi left Nam Dinh for a trial in a Serbian top-tier club. However, he decided to return to V-League and successfully convinced Binh Duong to offer him a contract. Binh Duong was looking for an experienced striker as the club will have to compete in both V-League 2010 and AFC Cup 2010. The appearance of Amaobi means striker Marcelin Nkemi will have to find a new club because Binh Duong have made its 5 foreign players quota full.

Binh Duong also completed the deal with Vietnamese player Le Quoc Vuong. Quoc Vuong was regarded best Vietnamese central midfielder about 5 years ago. However, he was banned globally and imprisoned due to match-fixing scandal in 2005. Binh Duong head coach, Mai Duc Chung, hopes he can help Quoc Vuong find his best again.

SLNA sign Rajko Vidovic

After watching the Bosnian striker play in 2 friendlies, SLNA coaches were very impressed with his performance. Therefore, Nguyen Huu Thang, SLNA head coach has decided to offer him a 3-year contract despite the striker is now 35 years old.

SLNA also signed 2 recently naturalized players: Nguyen Hoang Helio (Helio - Brazil - former Binh Duong player) and Le Hoang Phat Thierry (Thierry Ngale - Cameroon - former Dong Nai player). Both are defenders.

HAGL wants USD 200,000 for Thonglao

After coming back to Vietnam, Thailand international Datsakorn Thonglao had a meeting with HAGL board to discuss about his future on Jan 11. He expressed his wish to leave the club to play football in his homeland. After the meeting, HAGL has basically agreed to let Thonglao go but they want an amount of transfer fee up to USD 200,000 for the Thai playmaker. Thonglao's contract is set to expire in 2012.

A member of HAGL board has revealed that Muang Thong United and Chonburi are interested in Thonglao.

Uganda's Kampala City sold players to V-league clubs

Source: goal.com

Uganda’s KCC FC is expected to reap no less than $100,000 (about Ush190m) from the sale of two players after their trip to the BTV tournament in Vietnam early this month.

The club will sell Caesar Sapeo and Patrick Oloya, who will be joining a Vietnamese club.

Patrick Isiagi, who travelled with the team to Vietnam, told The New Vision that preliminary discussions have already started and all indications are that they will get more than $100,000 from the transfer.

"The agents were interested in Sapeo and Oloya because of their age. They are going to take them for a medical check up before putting them in camp for a two-month training stint. It will be after this that they will discuss the final fee, though initial indications are hinting at not less than $100,000 from both players," explained Isiagi.

The club has already lost Asuman Buyinza on a free, while Anthony Bongole and Moses Musoke are still on trials for a possible move to Vietnam.

"The players are still ours until we issue the International Transfer Certificates," Isiagi said adding that several other players will join their friends on trials, but that will be after the clubs seek permission.

James Momanyi, Goal.com

Big Vietnamese clubs target Lee Nguyen

Binh Duong, SHB Da Nang and Xi Mang Hai Phong are in war for signature of Lee Nguyen after this USA-Vietnamese midfielder was released by Hoang Anh Gia Lai on November 27th.

Binh Duong and SHB Da Nang are two best clubs in Vietnam and both have qualified for continental competitions next season. Lee Nguyen would be a great addition for any side as it's quite hard to find a quality attacking-midfielder in V-League.

Xi Mang Hai Phong is a different case. Personally I don't understand why they are in this while they already have three good midfielders who play at the same position as Lee Nguyen. Especially Leandro and Aniekan Ekpe are brilliant players. Perhaps they just want to make some noise like what they did with Denilson.

In Hai Phong, Leandro is King

Datsakorn Thonglao returns to Thailand ?

According to this, Datsakorn Thonglao, the 26 year old captain of the Thai National Team has turned down the opportunity to extend his contract with the Vietnamese team, Hoang Anh Gia Lai. Instead he has decided to return home to Thailand and take up the offer of joining Muang Thong United for next season’s bid to defend the Premiership. He will sign a 2 year contract with the Muang Thong United club on the 1st of January 2010. One of the main reasons for his decision to return to Thailand is to be back with his daughter and family.

It seems everybody is leaving HAGL. Phan Thanh Binh, Lee Nguyen and now Thonglao ?

Navibank Sai Gon sign three strikers

Raphael

Navibank Sai Gon has just completed the transfer of Raphael (SHB Da Nang) and renewed Moses's contract after his Quan Khu 4 contract has just expired. The other one is young Nigerian striker Timothy Anjembe, who was a hot name on transfer market.

First Macedonia international player in V-League

Filip Madzovski, who has earned 4 caps with Macedonia national team, has just signed a contract with GDT Long An. He is 25 years old and 185 cm in height. His former club is FK Vardar, one of top Macedonian clubs. The wave of players from countries of former Yugoslavia has been up recently as a lot of them can be seen playing in football leagues of South Korea, China and Singapore.



During recent Binh Dien Cup 2009, Filip Madzovski was named in the first squad and played extremely well. GDT Long An lifted the cup while Filip Madzovski won Best Goalkeeper Award.



The sudden appearance of Filip Madzovski took a lot of people by surprise because at GDT Long An, famous naturalized goalkeeper Fabio dos Santos (or Phan Van Santos) is always thought to be number one choice in front of goal. However 32-year-old Santos conceded 37 goals last season which makes GDT Long An look for a replacement for the loyal goalkeeper. Their decision to bring the Macedonian international player to Long An stadium will surely pose a big threat to Santos 's first-team place.

Some more GDT Long An news:
- According to GDT Long An general director, Tshamala Kabanga (DR Congo) and Issawa Singthong (Thailand) are likely to be naturalized next season.
- GDT Long An will play in BTV Cup 2009 which will start in Binh Duong on November 20th.

HAGL eyes Thai goalkeeper

Although having signed Michal Silhavy, one of the best V-League goalkeeper last season, HAGL is in search for one more goalkeeper when their second-choice GK Quoc Viet seems too inconsistent.

HAGL's target is 20-year-old Kawin Thammasatchanon, who is under contract with Muang Thong United. Besides Kawin, some other Thai names like Sivaruck (BEC Tero), Naritt (Pattaya) and Sintaweechai (Persib) are also on HAGL's radar.