Vietnam Sports Club Faces Roster Challenges: Three Major Priorities for 2026 Season

HO CHI MINH CITY — As the 2026 Vietnamese football season enters its crucial phase, top clubs are actively strengthening their squads. According to Viet Nam Sports reporters, several major clubs are facing serious personnel challenges, particularly in three key positions: fullbacks, central midfielders, and forwards. Mr. Nguyen Van Minh, Technical Director of a club in Hanoi, stated: "We have identified three positions requiring urgent recruitment. However, finding suitable players is not simple when quality young talent remains scarce." Financial issues are also a major barrier. According to incomplete statistics from the Vietnam Football Federation, many clubs are struggling to pay salaries for foreign players. Some teams have had to part ways with naturalized players due to exceeding the permitted salary budget. In Ho Chi Minh City, Song Da Hanoi FC is considering prioritizing youth development over aggressive purchasing. "We believe building a systematic youth academy will yield more long-term benefits than chasing immediate titles," said Mr. Tran Dinh Thang, Vice President of the club. Meanwhile, Saigon Port FC is working to retain key midfielder Le Huynh Duc after reports that foreign clubs were interested in the player. The club management has proposed a new salary offer doubling his current pay to keep him. From a professional standpoint, experts believe Vietnamese football's issues lie not in tactics but in squad depth. This season has seen numerous serious injuries in the early phase, leaving many clubs severely short-staffed. The mid-season transfer window is expected to open in June. Clubs will have more time to finalize their squads, but the pressure of competitive results does not allow for delays.