Nguyen Cong Phuong has officially signed with Binh Phuoc FC for the 2024-2025 season, after parting ways with Yokohama FC in September 2024. Several key factors influenced his decision to join the Vietnamese First Division club, including limited options, favorable financial conditions, the Japanese football environment, and his family situation.
Cong Phuong’s departure from Yokohama FC marked the end of a two-year stint in Japan, where he had minimal playing time and impact. His family has also returned to Vietnam, a major consideration in his next move. Due to the V-League’s closed transfer window, the 28-year-old forward could not negotiate with V-League clubs for the first phase of the 2024-2025 season. His only option was to play in the Vietnamese First Division (V-League 2), where the registration deadline is October 11.
Among the few First Division clubs with the financial capability to sign a high-profile player like Cong Phuong, Binh Phuoc FC emerged as the ideal destination. Founded in 2006, the club has seen significant investment in recent seasons, aiming for promotion to the V-League. Their recent signings, including Cong Phuong, are part of their strategy to strengthen the squad and reach their goal.
Binh Phuoc FC reportedly offered Cong Phuong a contract worth around 6 billion VND per season, securing his commitment for three years, with an option for an additional year. The deal was finalized after discussions with the club’s technical director, Yusuke Adachi, on September 20. Adachi, a respected figure in Asian football, previously served as the technical director of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) from 2020 to 2023.
Adachi convinced Cong Phuong by emphasizing the club’s commitment to building a Japanese-style football environment, complete with an academy and experienced personnel in key positions, such as operations, coaching, and player development. The presence of familiar faces like coach Nguyen Anh Duc and several former teammates also played a role in Phuong’s decision.
Additionally, Cong Phuong’s interest in developing his coffee business in the Southeast region of Vietnam aligned with his decision to join Binh Phuoc FC. The club views his signing as both a footballing asset and a promotional opportunity to attract more fans and sponsors.
Cong Phuong’s move to Binh Phuoc FC marks his third stint with a Vietnamese club, following his time with Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Ho Chi Minh City FC. He has also had extensive international experience, playing for clubs in Japan, South Korea, Belgium, and more recently, Yokohama FC. Despite limited appearances at Yokohama FC, Phuong remains one of the most experienced Vietnamese players to have competed abroad.
His journey with Yokohama FC included only a handful of appearances, primarily in friendly matches and cup competitions. As a result, Cong Phuong was not selected for the Vietnamese national team during the 2023 Asian Cup and other recent international competitions.
Looking ahead, Cong Phuong is eager to make an impact at Binh Phuoc FC, helping the club achieve promotion to the V-League while continuing to develop his football career in Vietnam.
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