Song Lam Nghe An officially says goodbye to Zaracho and Kuku, aiming for quality foreign players who have fought in V-League

In the 2024/25 season, Benjamin Kuku is a regular in the starting lineup ofLam River Nghe An. The Nigerian striker played 24/26 matches in the V-League and scored 6 goals. Despite his efforts, Kuku has not shown the ability to create breakthroughs as well as the sharpness required of a striker. Limitations in personal technique, ability to operate independently and integration with the general playing style have prevented him from meeting the expectations of the coaching staff as well as the fans.

The Argentinean midfielder Zaracho also played 20 times for the Nghe An team. After initially feeling confused, Zaracho gradually adapted to the Vietnamese football environment. However, his weaknesses in speed, ability to read situations and lack of leadership in defense prevented him from becoming a reliable stopper as initially expected. Realizing that these two foreign players were not suitable for the team's development direction, the SLNA leadership decided not to renew their contracts.

After parting ways with SLNA, Zaracho is expected to return to his old team, while Kuku is still staying in Vietnam in the hope of finding a new destination here.

The departure of Kuku and Zaracho is part of a personnel restructuring plan that was accelerated after SLNA received a commitment to continue its partnership with sponsor Tan Long. According to the new regulations of the Vietnam National Football League 2025/26, each team is allowed to register a maximum of 4 foreign players. Looking ahead to the new season, SLNA is actively looking for foreign players who have played in the V-League and have proven their abilities.

Currently, the Nghe An team is negotiating with some notable names such as central defender Gustavo Santos - who used to play for Thanh Hoa Club, or striker Brandao - a former player of Hoang Anh Gia Lai. In addition, SLNA will also add a foreign player in the central midfielder position to strengthen the midfield and improve the ability to deploy the game. If the negotiation process goes smoothly, the new foreign players will join the team in July to prepare for the new season.

Previously, Song Lam Nghe An also successfully renewed the contract with key striker Michael Olaha. This is an important factor in the team's attacking style of play. Keeping Olaha and aiming to add more quality foreign players shows SLNA's determination to renew its force and improve its competitiveness in the V-League 2025/26. Nghe An fans can fully expect a stronger, more even and more ambitious team from Song Lam Nghe An in the upcoming season./.