Ninh Binh, 21 August, 2025 – Nam Dinh have made a major addition to their squad ahead of the 2025/26 V.League 1 season by signing Dutch defender Mitchell Dijks, a former Netherlands U21 international. The move is expected to significantly boost the team’s defensive stability and aerial strength.
Standing at an imposing 1.94m, Dijks is naturally a left-back but is equally capable of playing as a central defender. His height and physicality are expected to add a new dimension to Nam Dinh’s backline, making the team particularly dangerous in aerial duels at both ends of the pitch. With several tall players in the squad this season, Nam Dinh are tipped to become one of the strongest teams in the league when it comes to set-pieces and heading ability.
Speaking about his move to Vietnam, Dijks expressed his excitement: “I am very happy to join Thep Xanh Nam Dinh. This is an exciting new experience for me, and I am looking forward to contributing to the club’s success.”
Dijks comes with an impressive footballing pedigree, having risen through the renowned Ajax youth academy, where he made his senior debut for the Amsterdam giants in 2012. During his career, he has played in some of Europe’s top leagues. The Dutchman had a stint in the English Championship with Norwich City and later moved to Serie A, where he spent several seasons with Bologna. His time in Italy helped him develop a reputation as a strong, reliable defender with both defensive awareness and the ability to support attacking plays from the flanks.
Before arriving in Vietnam, Dijks was part of Fortuna Sittard in the Dutch Eredivisie, where he made 56 appearances. The move to Nam Dinh marks the first time in his professional career that he will play for a club outside of Europe, a challenge that he has embraced with optimism.
For Nam Dinh, the signing of Mitchell Dijks demonstrates their ambition to compete at the highest level in Vietnamese football. The club has already been praised for their proactive recruitment during the transfer window, and bringing in a player with international pedigree such as Dijks sends a strong message to their rivals. His experience in top European competitions is expected to provide invaluable leadership to the squad, both on and off the pitch.
As the new season kicks off, all eyes will be on how quickly Dijks can adapt to the pace and style of the V.League. If he settles in well, his presence could turn Nam Dinh into one of the toughest defensive units in the competition while also giving them a major edge in set-piece situations.
Kim Tuyen
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