Song Lam Nghe An adds two new players for the second half of the V.League season.

Following their impressive 4-1 victory against The Cong Viettel in Round 13, which concluded the first half of the season in an emotional manner, Song Lam Nghe An continued to make notable personnel changes. The coaching staff of the Nghe An team decided to promote winger Nguyen Tan Minh and center-back Hoang Minh Hoi from the U19 team to the first team in preparation for the second half of the 2025/26 V.League season.

This decision stems from practical needs; SLNA's defense is facing many difficulties as Ho Van Cuong suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and will be out for a long time. Mai Hoang is also unable to return due to an ankle injury, while several other positions have not yet reached stable form. Strengthening the team with young players will not only help the team solve immediate problems but also open up opportunities for long-term succession.

Of the two players promoted, Hoang Minh Hoi was the most impressive at the 2026 National U19 Championship. The 2007-born center-back not only performed well in his defensive role but also made a special mark by scoring 4 goals, becoming the top scorer of the final tournament, a rare achievement for a center-back.

With a height of over 1.80m, a well-proportioned physique, and good situational awareness, Minh Hoi shows maturity in his playing style. He frequently takes the initiative to intercept the ball instead of simply clearing it, and he is also capable of building up play from the back quite smoothly. Although speed is not his outstanding strength, his defensive mindset and concentration have helped this young player neutralize many dangerous attacks from opponents.

Sharing his thoughts upon being called up to the first team, Hoang Minh Hoi said: “I am very surprised and happy to have the trust of the coaching staff. The V.League environment is certainly much more demanding, but I will try to train seriously, learn from the senior players to adapt quickly, and if given the opportunity, I will do my best.”

Meanwhile, Nguyen Tan Minh was also a key player in the journey of U19 SLNA. Despite suffering an injury in the qualifying round, the defender born in 2007 managed to return in time for the finals and played in all the important matches.

Despite not possessing exceptional height, Tan Minh compensates with his fiery playing style, strong tackling ability, tenacious wing play, and highly accurate crosses. In particular, his long throw-ins are considered an effective tactical option, capable of creating surprises in set-piece situations.

Tan Minh shared: “Moving from the youth team to the first team is a huge step. I understand I still have many limitations, but training with the senior players in the first team is a valuable opportunity. I will try to improve every day to meet the professional requirements of the V.League.”

With the addition of two young players, SLNA's squad for the second half of the season has now grown to around 30 players. This is a sufficient number for coach Van Sy Son to have more rotation options as the season enters its crucial stage.

Giving opportunities to players who have come through the youth academy is nothing new to Nghe An football. SLNA has long been known for its philosophy of using homegrown players, placing faith in young talent during difficult times. The emergence of Minh Hoi and Tan Minh further demonstrates that this direction remains consistent.

From a professional standpoint, the presence of Hoang Minh Hoi adds depth to the central defender position. Meanwhile, Tan Minh can create positive competition on the right flank, especially given the team's need for players with good physical fitness and the willingness to play on the wing for the full 90 minutes.

The gap between the U19 level and the V.League is significant, but with thorough preparation and clear guidance from the coaching staff, these two young players can consider this an important first step in their professional journey.

The second half of the 2025/26 V.League season promises to be full of challenges. For SLNA, strengthening their squad with young players is not only about addressing immediate difficulties but also about preparing for the next generation. Following the morale boost from their victory in round 13, the team from Nghe An is showing proactiveness in both technical aspects and personnel.

If Minh Hoi and Tan Minh adapt quickly to the pace of top-level competition, SLNA will have more valuable options. More importantly, it will be proof of the enduring vitality of youth training, the foundation that has shaped the identity of Nghe An football for many years.