Van Lam is the most expensive goalkeeper in Muangthong United history
Thai club CEO Ronnarit Suewaja believes the Vietnamese national team goalkeeper will strengthen the home team.
"In terms of value, Van Lam is the most expensive goalkeeper in our history. This information has been reported by the press a lot. At the age of 25, he has a lot of potential to develop and we see a future in him. For that reason, we accept to spend a lot of money and offer a salary that makes him satisfied. He answers us every day and also talks with the team coach," Ronnarit said at the press conference introducing goalkeeper Dang Van Lam at Muangthong United Club this afternoon, February 7.
According to private sourcesVnExpressMuangthong United spent $500,000 to sign Van Lam. This amount of money makes the former goalkeeper of Hai Phong Club the Vietnamese player with the highest transfer fee. Van Lam signed a three-year contract with an option to extend for another year. The CEO of the Thai League team hopes that Van Lam's presence will strengthen the team in the new season.
Ronnarit (left cover) is happy that Muangthong has surpassed many clubs to recruit Van Lam. Photo:Thai League. |
"Having a national player in the squad, especially a player from a team that is attracting attention in Asia like Vietnam, is our top goal. The decision to recruit Van Lam did not come only from the board of directors. We talked to coach Pairoj Borwonwatanadilok and fortunately he agreed. Before the season starts, now is the time for us to think about strengthening the squad," Mr. Ronnarit added.
Ronnarit Suewaja revealed that Muangthong United had to compete with many rivals to get Van Lam's signature. He believes that the Thai team will be a good environment for the Vietnamese goalkeeper to develop his talent.
"I know that he did not only receive offers from us. There were many other offers, especially from Asian teams. But Van Lam chose us because he believed in the club. We believe that this will be an environment for him to develop further," Ronnarit said.
Muangthong United is one of the top clubs in Thai League 1. The team was founded in 1989 and is owned by Siam Cement Group. Muangthong is chaired by Wilak Lohtong, and their home stadium, SCG, is located in Nonthaburi province and has a capacity of 15,000. Muangthong is currently led by coach Pairoj Borwonwatanadilok. In the 2018 season, they finished fourth in Thai League 1. Muangthong started playing in Thai League 1 in 2009 but has won the championship four times in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2016. To prepare for the 2019 season, Muangthong has recruited four foreign players including Dang Van Lam, Aung Thu (Myanmar), Mario Gjurovski (Macedonia), Oh Ban-suk (South Korea). |