Dinh Bac and Trung Kien are on J-League radar: A turning point for overseas moves after their Asian miracle.
The opportunity for Vietnamese U23 stars to move to Japan, along with other notable transfer deals in the V-League, is reshaping the face of domestic football.
Following their historic bronze medal win at the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, Vietnamese football is facing a new wave of players moving abroad. Two of the most prominent players in coach Kim Sang-sik's squad, striker Nguyen Dinh Bac and goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, are becoming prime targets for agents from the J-League (Japan).
The doors of the J-League are wide open for young talents.
It's no surprise that Japanese clubs are keeping an eye on this duo after their convincing performances in continental competitions. Dinh Bac, with his penetrating runs, and Trung Kien, with his long reach and stability in goal, have come under special watch. Coach Kim Sang-sik has also publicly encouraged his players to step out of their comfort zones to improve their skills, thereby contributing back to the national team.
In particular, goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien has shown a very professional attitude towards playing abroad. Unlike the fear of failure experienced by many of his predecessors, the Hoang Anh Gia Lai goalkeeper has determined that going to Japan is to improve his skills and tactical thinking. He is willing to trade a few years of infrequent playing time for significant professional growth.
Personnel changes in V-League: Ninh Binh strengthens its squad.
In the domestic transfer market, Ninh Binh FC is demonstrating immense ambition by simultaneously recruiting three young stars from Thanh Hoa FC. The trio of Le Van Thuan, Nguyen Thai Son, and Nguyen Ngoc My have officially said goodbye to Thanh Hoa FC to join Ninh Binh FC.
Having these quality U23 players helps Ninh Binh solidify its leading position in the standings. This is seen as a strategic move to maintain strength and prepare for further goals in the domestic league.
The allure of returning heroes
The excitement surrounding the U23 Asian Championship 2026 players shows no signs of cooling down in their localities. Striker Nguyen Dinh Bac had a large-scale celebration with 100 tables of food organized by his family in his hometown to thank the fans. Meanwhile, young goalkeeper Cao Van Binh also caused a sensation in Nghe An when he returned home to a crowd of neighbors.
From a professional standpoint, coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed that the current Vietnam U23 team is capable of competing on equal footing with top teams in the continent. This confidence is built on a foundation of modern gameplay and the team spirit that the players demonstrated throughout the tournament.
Malaysia faces legal risks ahead of their match against Vietnam.
In other news, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has temporarily suspended the FIFA ban on seven naturalized Malaysian players. However, this does not mean Malaysian football is free from punishment. The team still faces the risk of forfeiture in qualifying matches, including the upcoming crucial match against Vietnam, due to irregularities in the player registration process.
