On March 15, a piece of news from Vietnam made waves in the soccer world. Vietnamese star Nguyen Quang Hai's contract extension talks with Hanoi FC appear to have come to an end, and he is eager to start a new professional chapter elsewhere in Asia.
Nguyen Quang Hai's mind is reportedly already leaning towards a move abroad due to disagreements over negotiations with Hanoi FC. According to sources close to the soha media, clubs in South Korea, Japan and Thailand have shown interest in joining him, while the 24-year-old is still weighing his final options.
It is worth noting that the Chinese Super League has also caught the eye of Nguyen Quang Hai. soha noted that despite the Chinese media's high opinion of his strengths, he had an eye-catching performance as the centerpiece of Vietnam's midfield against China in the Round of 12.
Nguyen Quang Hai, who is less than 1.68 meters tall, has scored 30 goals in the Vietnamese league, and his flexible feet and unique talent have made him known as the "Vietnamese Messi". With his outstanding performance in Hanoi FC and the World Cup, he has attracted the attention of many foreign teams, including European clubs.
Although the Chinese Super League (CSL) has strict salary restrictions for foreign aid workers, with a cap of 2 million euros per year, this was an attractive "gift" for Nguyen Quang Hai. In order to retain him, Hanoi FC offered the highest monthly salary in the history of Vietnamese soccer, but Nguyen Quang Hai's psychological price is higher, leading to the breakdown of negotiations.
From an objective point of view, Nguyen Quang Hai is above most of the players in the Chinese Super League and his playing style is easier to adapt to the Chinese Super League. His contract expires in April, and the fact that a Chinese team was able to bring him in for 0 transfer fee certainly adds to his appeal.
Looking back more than 20 years ago, Vietnamese star Le Xuan Duc played in the Chinese Super League and despite his short career, his story is an evocative one. Nowadays, the Chinese Super League is still one of the top leagues in Asia despite the challenges it faces, boasting well-known stars such as Fellaini and Oscar. Will Nguyen Quang Hai be the next Vietnamese player to play in the Chinese Super League? It is a thought-provoking question. (DD)
