Michael Olaha joins Ho Chi Minh City Police FC, causing personnel changes in the V.League.
Striker Michael Olaha has officially left Nghe An to join Ho Chi Minh City Police FC for the 2026/27 season. At the same time, Hanoi FC is close to finalizing a contract with foreign central defender Daniel Hall from Australia.
The V.League transfer market is becoming vibrant with some landmark deals. The spotlight is on Michael Olaha, an icon at Vinh Stadium, as the striker has decided to move to Ho Chi Minh City Police FC.
Michael Olaha and his ambitions at the Ho Chi Minh City Police Football Club.
After several seasons closely associated with Song Lam Nghe An, striker Michael Olaha, born in 1996, has reached an agreement to play for Ho Chi Minh City Police FC starting from the 2026/27 season. This is considered a major boost for the police team's attack in their efforts to win titles.
Notably, Olaha's naturalization process is progressing rapidly. If successful, he has a strong chance of playing for the Vietnamese national team under coach Kim Sang-sik. Currently, the South Korean strategist is showing a tendency to utilize naturalized players, exemplified by the appearances of Nguyen Xuan Son and Do Hoang Hen in recent international campaigns.
Hanoi FC strengthens its defense with a 'blockbuster' signing from Australia.
In preparation for the 2026/27 season, Hanoi FC is very close to signing center-back Daniel Hall on a free transfer. The 26-year-old boasts an impressive resume, having won the Australian A-League and the AFC Cup.
Daniel Hall's contract with Auckland FC expires on June 30th, allowing Hanoi FC to approach him without a release clause. Hall's arrival is expected to significantly improve Hanoi FC's defensive system, an area that needs priority improvement.
The ultimate challenge for youth teams at all levels.
Meanwhile, Vietnamese youth teams are facing challenging journeys. The Vietnam U19 team, under the guidance of coach Yutaka Ikeuchi, has begun its first training session in Medan, Indonesia. Despite facing extreme temperatures reaching 32 degrees Celsius, the young players have adapted quickly thanks to their prior training in Hanoi.
A turning point in the format of the 2027 U20 Asian Cup qualifiers.
The draw for Group G of the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers has put Vietnam U20 in a difficult position, facing Iran, North Korea, and Palestine. The biggest difference this time is the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) changing the competition structure, dividing the teams into two separate levels to limit matches with excessively large disparities.
The absence of weaker teams means that the Vietnam U20 team has lost its "points source" for accumulating goal difference. Each match now becomes a direct battle of skill and character to secure a place in the final round.
The heartfelt confession of veteran Mac Hong Quan
At 34 years old, Mac Hong Quan is becoming a valuable asset to Becamex Ho Chi Minh City FC. Looking back on 14 years playing in his homeland, the Vietnamese-born striker shared that he has never regretted his decision to return to Vietnam, despite difficult periods such as when his former club Than Quang Ninh (Quang Ninh) disbanded.
Overcoming initial doubts, Mac Hong Quan has established his position in the V.League through his perseverance and high level of professional adaptability, especially during crucial stages of the current season.
