V-League awaits a surge with new signings.

THE HOTTEST PROBLEM: THE ATTACKING LINE

Despite possessing many top-class players (all exceptional talents who performed exceptionally well in the 2024 AFF Cup) and ample financial resources, Hanoi FC has struggled throughout the season. To the point that after just 11 rounds, coach Le Duc Tuan had to step down, handing over the reins to former Vietnam national team coach Hoang Van Phuc. Not only did they change coaches, but the capital city team also acquired three new players: striker Floro Daniel and midfielders Pierre Lamothe and Bobicanec Luka. Vietnamese-born Pierre Lamothe, who played very well for Quang Nam FC in the 2023-2024 season, is expected to bring dynamism to Hanoi FC's midfield. Meanwhile, striker Floro Daniel (born in 1996, 1.84 m tall) is considered a good solution to help Hanoi FC improve their finishing.

On February 5th, Hanoi FC will be playing away at Thien Truong Stadium, and it remains to be seen whether new head coach Hoang Van Phuc can make a difference, especially with the home team still missing Xuan Son. The paradox between these two teams lies in the fact that while Hanoi FC, with its extremely strong squad, is struggling, Nam Dinh FC is also facing similar difficulties due to the temporary absence of a superb striker like Xuan Son. The reigning champions, who scored 60 goals last season, have gone four consecutive matches without Xuan Son due to injury. The Nam Dinh team was forced to quickly add Brazilian striker Brenner Marlos Oliveira (born in 1994, previously played in J-League 1, Thai League, and Liga 1 Apertura in Peru) to replace Xuan Son. Nam Dinh also signed midfielder Romulo Machado (born in 1996, Brazil), who previously played in Portugal, and recalled fitness coach Mashiedee.

Floro Daniel (left) is expected to improve Hanoi FC's attack.

Another paradox has emerged at Binh Duong FC. Despite having Tien Linh, a strong contender for the 2024 Vietnamese Golden Ball award and currently among the top 3 goalscorers (7 goals) after 11 rounds of the 2024-2025 V-League, Binh Duong has only scored 14 goals since the beginning of the season. A few rounds ago, the team from Binh Duong had to part ways with coach Hoang Anh Tuan, promoting assistant coach Nguyen Cong Manh to replace him, and recently said goodbye to striker Wellington Nem. New signing Charly Malep was brought in to bolster the attacking firepower.

LAST CHANCE TO SHOP FOR REGIONAL TEAMS

Teams battling relegation are also actively buying players to try and escape the situation as soon as possible. Within just one month, bottom-placed Da Nang changed coaches twice, but in their most recent move before the V-League resumed, they made a rather unusual decision by employing coach Le Duc Tuan – a former Hanoi FC coach. Da Nang also added two foreign players: center-back Cassio and midfielder Emerson, and loaned young defender Duc Anh (from Hanoi FC) and goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung (from Ho Chi Minh City FC). New coach Le Duc Tuan is hoping to add another foreign striker to address the team's weak attack (which has only scored 5 goals). HAGL recalled former player Washington Brandao and added nine players of SEA Games age (born in 2003 or later) to give young talents a chance to contribute to the Vietnam U22 team.

Hai Phong, the second-to-last team in the league table, also replaced midfielder Bicou with striker Miche Naider Chery. Binh Dinh FC welcomed Colombian striker Rivas Gonzalez Rodrigo hoping to create a safe distance from the relegation zone. Meanwhile, SLNA's confidence is high after defeating Binh Duong FC in round 11, their first victory of the season.

Teams will have one last chance to evaluate their foreign players before finalizing their rosters by the tournament organizers' deadline of February 12th.

QUANG NAM CLUB RETURNS TO ITS TRUE HOME GROUND

Quang Nam FC will kick off the new season by hosting Binh Duong FC on February 9th in Round 12 at the newly renovated Tam Ky Stadium. Playing in front of their home fans after nearly two seasons of renting the Hoa Xuan Stadium will give coach Van Sy Son's team added strength as they aim for early relegation survival.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/v-league-cho-bung-no-with-new-players-185250203211323536.htm