Song Lam Nghe An successfully recruits Vietnamese-French player Phi Long Karim Tran

Phi Long Karim Tran, born in 2004, holds French and Algerian citizenship, is 1.76m tall, and is right-footed. He specializes in playing as a winger or right-wing forward, excelling in speed, wide movement, and attacking support. Before joining Song Lam Nghe An, Phi Long Karim Tran played for FC United Richelle in the 2de Nationale ACFF, equivalent to the fourth tier of Belgian football.

During the V.League's break, Phi Long Karim Tran spent time training and on trial with Song Lam Nghe An. According to the coaching staff, this Vietnamese-born player is serious about his professional life, adapts quickly, and fits the tactical direction that coach Van Sy Son is building. These factors led to him being selected for the second half of the season.

Before being selected by Song Lam Nghe An, Phi Long Karim Tran had a trial at Hong Linh Ha Tinh. To strengthen their squad and boost their attack, the team from Hong Linh conducted trials for many players, including both domestic and foreign players. Phi Long Karim Tran was one of the Vietnamese-French players given the opportunity by Hong Linh Ha Tinh for professional evaluation.

During his trial period in Ha Tinh, Phi Long Karim Tran trained directly with the first team and made his unofficial debut when Hong Linh Ha Tinh played a friendly match against Song Lam Nghe An on January 7th.

Phi Long Karim Tran has a Vietnamese father and an Algerian mother, and was born and raised in France. With this background, if he plays consistently and wishes to commit to Vietnamese football long-term, he is fully capable of applying for Vietnamese citizenship according to regulations, similar to some cases of overseas Vietnamese who have played in the V.League.

The signing of Phi Long Karim Tran by Song Lam Nghe An for the second half of the season is expected to provide additional personnel options in midfield and wing positions. In the early stages of the season, the Nghe An team showed a positive fighting spirit but still lacked players capable of making a difference. The arrival of a young, fast player with overseas training is seen as a logical addition given the anticipated demanding schedule for the second half of the season.

Phase 2 of the 2025/26 V.League is considered a pivotal period for Song Lam Nghe An. Early stabilization of the squad and completion of the team will allow them to be more proactive in the race to accumulate points, aiming for a safe position in the standings. For Phi Long Karim Tran, this is also an opportunity for the French-Vietnamese player to prove his abilities and find his place in the professional football environment of Vietnam.