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HAGL welcomes back a former player.

On January 21st, HAGL FC welcomed back Washington Brandao, a foreign player who had been with the team from 2021 to 2023. The Brazilian striker signed a contract with HAGL after passing his medical examination this morning.

Brandao previously played for HAGL for three seasons. Although he only scored 7 goals in 53 V-League matches, which isn't an impressive number for a foreign player, Brandao played a very important role in the team's style of play. When coach Kiatisak Senamuang was in charge, Brandao played as a withdrawn striker. He moved widely to support ball distribution, creating space for his teammates to penetrate the penalty area.

Washington Brandao returns to HAGL

Brandao, along with Van Toan and Cong Phuong, formed an effective attacking trio in the 2021 season, when Kiatisak's HAGL topped the V-League after 12 rounds (before the league was canceled due to the pandemic). Later in the 2022 season, HAGL finished sixth in the V-League, but impressed by earning 5 points in the AFC Champions League despite being in a group with strong teams like Kim Sang-sik's Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Yokohama F.Marinos, and Sydney FC.

Brandao impressed the HAGL coaching staff with his professional demeanor, meticulousness, and energetic playing style. Technical director Vu Tien Thanh shared: "When we heard the news of Brandao's return, 100% of the coaches and players supported him. I hope Brandao will quickly integrate into the team's playing style and help the team perform well in the coming period." Currently, HAGL has three foreign players: Brandao, Jairo Rodrigues, and Marciel da Silva.

HAGL dropped to eighth place in the V-League after a 2-2 draw against Ho Chi Minh City FC in round 10. In round 11, taking place at 7:15 PM on January 24th, coach Le Quang Trai's team will face Hanoi FC at Hang Day Stadium.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hagl-don-ngoi-sao-ve-lai-mai-nha-xua-them-co-hoi-but-pha-185250121130343873.htm