Striker Nguyen Cong Phuong (left) and HCM City’s chairman Nguyen Huu Thang. – Photo HCM City FC

Earlier, last season's league runners-up reached a deal to bring home the striker from Sint-Truidense of Belgium. HCM City bought the remaining half of the one-year loan deal signed in July between Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) FC and Sint-Truidense.

At the new team, Phuong will wear the No 21 jersey. He will compete alongside his former teammates from HAGL Le Van Son and Le Duc Luong, as well as goalkeeper of Vietnam U23 team Bui Tien Dung.

The return to Vietnam is a chance for Phuong to redeem himself after a difficult six months in Belgium, during which he only played 20 first team minutes.

This year, HCM City will compete in the AFC Champions League, V.League 1, ASEAN Clubs Championship and the National Cup.

“I am very happy to compete in Vietnam. I will try my best to help HCM City and I wish I will have a good result in the jersey of HCM City,” said Phuong.

Managing HCM City is South Korean coach Chung Hae-soung who was technical director of HAGL in 2017-18.

“Coach Chung worked with me at HAGL so I think it is a good chance for me to integrate better and bring success for the club,” said Phuong. — VNS

Cong Phuong to return home after failure in Belgium

Striker Nguyen Cong Phuong is expected to return to Vietnam later this month after failing to secure a long-term contract at a Belgian football club.