Vietnam's number one defensive midfielder ready to reunite with European coach

Coach Popov is considered the key factor behind Doan Ngoc Tan's move to Viettel following his departure from Thanh Hoa.

Doan Ngoc Tan is very close to joining The Cong Viettel as negotiations between the two sides proceed smoothly. If all formalities are completed in the coming time, the midfielder born in 1994 will become one of the notable signings for the military club ahead of the new season.

The strong bond between Doan Ngoc Tan and Coach Velizar Popov is seen as a crucial factor driving this deal. The prospect of continuing to work with the Bulgarian strategist makes the Vietnamese national team midfielder more excited about his new destination.

Despite receiving interest from many other clubs and The Cong Viettel facing fierce competition in the race for his signature, the military team still holds the advantage. His desire to play close to his family in Hanoi, along with the opportunity to reunite with Coach Popov, greatly influenced Ngoc Tan's decision.

Previously, last weekend, Doan Ngoc Tan officially announced his departure from Dong A Thanh Hoa after six years of association. In the colors of the Thanh Hoa team, he made nearly 130 appearances, contributing significantly to the club's two National Cup titles and one National Super Cup.

Not only leaving a mark professionally, Ngoc Tan was also highly appreciated by Thanh Hoa fans for his dedication. During the period when the team faced many difficulties, he stayed on, wore the captain's armband, and helped his teammates overcome challenges to achieve the goal of avoiding relegation.

His consistent performances at the club level also helped Doan Ngoc Tan be called up by Coach Kim Sang-sik to the Vietnam national team for the ASEAN Cup 2024. From a backup position, he gradually asserted his role in the midfield and made important contributions to the team's championship journey.