Song Lam Nghe An recruits former Portuguese 2nd division midfielder Carlos Enrique Olaya, aiming for a bright 2025/26 season?
After two consecutive seasons struggling to stay in the league, Song Lam Nghe An started the 2025/26 season with many changes in foreign players. Notably, the Nghe An team is recruiting Carlos Enrique Olaya, a Colombian midfielder who used to play in the Portuguese second division.
After a difficult 2024–2025 season,Lam River Nghe Anhas made a "blood transfusion" of the squad with many big changes, especially in the group of foreign players. Two names, striker Benjamin Kuku and center back Sebastian Zaracho, had to say goodbye to Vinh Stadium after failing to meet professional expectations. Both played poorly, causing the Nghe An team to face many difficulties in the relegation battle.
On the contrary, Nigerian striker Michael Olaha is the only foreign player retained. Retaining Olaha also opens up a rebuilding process as the board of directors rushes to find 3 new foreign players for the 2025-2026 season.
Initially, Song Lam Nghe An was close to signing midfielder Joseph Onoja. This is a Nigerian player who used to play in Iraq. However, at the last minute, Onoja unexpectedly renewed his contract with Naft Al-Basra SC, causing the Nghe An team to regretfully miss out on the deal. With an ideal physique and strong playing style, Onoja was expected to become a "sweeper" in the midfield to complete the missing piece of Song Lam Nghe An.
Without wasting any more time, the Board of Directors of Song Lam Nghe An immediately changed direction and reached an agreement to recruit Carlos Enrique Olaya - a Colombian midfielder who used to play in Liga Portugal 2 (Portugal's second division). This is a competitive and harsh environment, where many South American players have made their name before stepping onto the big stage of European football.
Carlos Enrique Olaya has played for clubs such as Feirense, Torreense, Académico Viseu. These are all teams with a tradition of training and developing players systematically in Portugal. With a 1m87 physique, good fighting ability and diverse playing experience in Colombia, Mexico, Brazil and Iraq, Carlos Enrique Olaya is a modern defensive midfielder, ready to support both the defensive front and develop the ball from the back. He can also play as a center back when necessary. This will be a favorable condition to help the Nghe An team have tactical flexibility in a long season.
According to the plan, Carlos Enrique Olaya will be present at Vinh Stadium on July 19 for a medical examination, before signing the official contract. He is expected to have his first training session with his new teammates on July 21.
In parallel with this deal, Song Lam Nghe An is also rushing to complete the recruitment of the remaining two foreign players in the center-back and striker positions, aiming to complete the squad for the 2025-2026 season.
Bringing in a midfielder who has played in a competitive environment like Liga Portugal 2 shows the ambition and serious preparation of Song Lam Nghe An. After two consecutive seasons struggling to avoid relegation, the Nghe An team aims to make a comprehensive change to return to its rightful position and the trust of its fans.
