The Cong Viettel extends contracts with Wesley Nata and Paulinho Martin

The Cong Viettel Club officially unveiled initial information regarding their roster buildup for the 2026/27 campaign, confirming contract extensions with foreign duo Wesley Nata and Paulinho Martin.

Wesley Nata, a Brazilian central midfielder born in 1995, standing at 1.84 meters, maintained consistent form throughout the past season.

He appeared in 24 matches across all competitions, logging over 2,000 minutes on the pitch and scoring 2 goals. The most memorable moment was his header in the 74th minute that secured a 1-0 victory over Hoang Anh Gia Lai in round 19 of the V-League. With his ability to cover the midfield and his creative passing, Wesley Nata can effectively serve both as a playmaker and an attacking midfielder.

Meanwhile, Paulinho Martin (Paulinho Curuá), a Brazilian defensive midfielder born in 1997, stands at 1.87 meters and possesses extensive professional experience.

In the past season, he started 15 matches in the V-League, becoming a crucial anchor in the midfield thanks to his strong playing style, effective tackling, and interception skills. Paulinho's contributions were among the key factors that helped The Cong Viettel boast the league's most solid defense, conceding the fewest goals.

Retaining the foreign pair demonstrates The Cong Viettel's determination to pursue their goals in the V-League, National Cup, and AFC Champions League Two for the 2026/27 season, while maintaining stability in the team's tactical framework.

Coach Velizar Popov shared: "My philosophy is that players not only need professional qualities but also must align with The Cong Viettel's football philosophy. Wesley Nata and Paulinho Martin help us maintain the continuity of the established core.

They are professional players who bring the necessary cohesion to the entire team. I believe that the current squad will work together to implement a disciplined and effective style of play, meeting the expectations of the fans in the 2026/27 season."

Entering the 2026/27 season, The Cong Viettel aims to compete for titles across all three fronts: the V-League, National Cup, and AFC Champions League Two.

After having the best defense in the V-League last season, the army-backed club hopes to maintain the stability of its core while improving the quality of play under Coach Velizar Popov's guidance, aiming for the domestic championship race and making a mark on the continental stage.

The early renewal with Wesley Nata and Paulinho Martin is seen as the first step in the plan to solidify the squad foundation before the club continues to add necessary personnel for the new season.