Vinh, 3 July, 2025 – In a move that has surprised many fans, goalkeeper Nguyen Van Viet has officially left Song Lam Nghe An to join The Cong Viettel on loan ahead of the 2025/2026 season. Despite the unexpected nature of the transfer, it is considered a positive development for all parties involved.
Since being promoted to Song Lam Nghe An’s first team, Nguyen Van Viet has played 62 matches across all competitions. During this time, he kept 17 clean sheets and conceded 84 goals. The Tan Ky-born goalkeeper played a pivotal role in helping the club avoid relegation in recent seasons and reach the National Cup final last year.
While his departure leaves a noticeable gap, Song Lam Nghe An has prepared well for the transition. The club boasts several promising goalkeepers, most notably Cao Van Binh, who has impressed both with the U23 Vietnam national team and the club in recent months. Van Viet’s departure now opens the door for Van Binh to emerge as the first-choice keeper in the upcoming season.
In addition, the club has Nguyen Huu Hau, Chu Van Tan, and Nguyen Bao Ngoc—all of whom are highly rated for their physical presence and reflexes. With this depth, Song Lam Nghe An appears confident in moving forward without Van Viet.
Financially, the deal also benefits Song Lam Nghe An, as the transfer fee gained from the loan could be reinvested into strengthening the squad for the new campaign.
As for The Cong Viettel, the move is seen as a strategic reinforcement. Last season, the club relied primarily on two goalkeepers—Pham Van Phong and Quang The Tai. Van Phong featured in 24 matches, managing only seven clean sheets while conceding 28 goals. Meanwhile, Quang The Tai struggled in key moments, notably in losses to Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Quy Nhon Binh Dinh that cost Viettel a place in the top three.
Head coach Velizar Popov has been seeking greater stability between the posts, and the addition of Nguyen Van Viet is expected to bring just that. The competition for the starting spot will also drive improvement across the goalkeeper department, which aligns with the ambitions of a club like The Cong Viettel—always aiming to challenge for titles.
For Nguyen Van Viet, this move represents an opportunity to elevate his career. Playing behind a more solid defense that includes national team players such as Bui Tien Dung, Nguyen Thanh Binh, and Truong Tien Anh, Van Viet will have a stronger platform to showcase his talent and build a more favorable statistical profile. This could be crucial in earning a call-up to the senior national team.
Additionally, with The Cong Viettel’s strong financial backing, Van Viet is likely to enjoy improved conditions and incentives, providing him with a more stable and rewarding environment.
In conclusion, Nguyen Van Viet’s loan move to The Cong Viettel is a win-win for all parties. It gives Song Lam Nghe An a chance to develop young talents, strengthens The Cong Viettel’s defense, and opens new doors for the promising goalkeeper. Fans in Nghe An will undoubtedly continue to support Van Viet as a source of pride for local football.
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