Yokohama FC relegated, Cong Phuong returns to Vietnam to save his career?

Cong Phuong has had another failed overseas stint in his career. Returning to Japan to play for Yokohama FC, the striker born in 1995 only had a few minutes of playing time in J.League 1, appearing only in a few training matches. In terms of team performance, Yokohama FC was relegated.

As of December 2023, Cong Phuong was the only Vietnamese national team player still playing abroad. Both Nguyen Van Toan and Nguyen Quang Hai returned to the V.League from the second half of the 2023 season.

Excluding Van Lam's case at Muangthong United, and Xuan Nam's past stardom in the Lao National League many years ago, most Vietnamese players who go abroad don't get much playing time, their form declines, and they struggle even after returning home.

Cong Phuong was relegated with Yokohama FC.

Cong Phuong is only 28 years old; it's too early to say his career is in its "twilight." He still has a chance to play if he changes environments and shows determination to salvage his career.

However, given his current physical condition and form, it will be difficult to find a suitable foreign team for Cong Phuong. Returning to Vietnam is never a failure for a Vietnamese player, as long as they still bring value to the league and their club.

Nguyen Cong Phuong remains a star of Vietnamese football. However, the situation in the V.League doesn't offer the 1995-born player many options.

Cong Phuong plays as an attacking midfielder and forward, positions often preferred by teams for foreign players. Several major clubs already have players in this role, such as Hendrio Araujo ( Nam Dinh ), Nguyen Hoang Duc (Viettel), Nguyen Quang Hai (Hanoi Police FC),...

Teams with weaker resources lack the financial capacity to pay Cong Phuong's salary and bonuses. At this point, Cong Phuong has two best career options if he decides to return to Vietnam.

Firstly, HAGL is naturally always willing to welcome its best player back to Pleiku. The team from the mountain town has a very large sponsorship source and is ready to seek out quality stars to serve their ambition of winning the championship next season. They are not short of money and have an emotional advantage with Cong Phuong.

Next, Ho Chi Minh City FC is the second team eager to acquire Nguyen Cong Phuong. They are lacking a withdrawn striker and are also "hungry" for a star to attract the affection of fans. Similar to HAGL, Ho Chi Minh City FC has sponsors willing to "spend big," provided it's a star of sufficient caliber to make a big impact.

It's not impossible for Cong Phuong to play football abroad. In fact, if he decides to stay at Yokohama FC and play in J.League 2, he'll have many opportunities to showcase his talent. However, returning to Vietnam is still a better option, where Cong Phuong can easily shine.

Mai Phuong

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