Negotiation deadlock: Vietnamese defender to return to Hanoi FC

Do Vinh Quang, Hanoi FC president, said on the club's Facebook page Friday: "Van Hau coming home will greatly benefit the club as it is facing a lack of players [due to injuries]."

"With AFF Cup 2020 to take place at the end this year, Hau's return will be a significant enhancement for the Vietnamese team," Quang said.

After Hau's loan contract expired on June 30, both clubs had actively discussed the future of the Vietnamese defender.

Hanoi FC said it had offered to provide financial support, but Heerenveen need to prove they want to keep Hau for technical reasons and not merely commercial purposes.

The club said Friday a deal has not been reached since the Dutch club's plan to use and develop Hau did not meet Hanoi FC's expectations.

Hau has only played four minutes for the main team during the Dutch National Cup. After arriving in the country on loan from Hanoi FC last year, he has spent his time appearing mainly for the club’s youth team, Jong Heerenveen, contributing to some of their victories.

On its Facebook, the Dutch club said it could not extend offer to Hau due to financial crunch. Gerry Hamstra, Heerenveen’s technical manager, said: "We searched for a way to cover his salary but unfortunately things didn't work out. It’s a pity since he deserves a chance. However, as a club we have to set our priorities. We want to thank Doan Van Hau for his efforts at SC Heerenveen and wish him all the best for the rest of his career."

Hau’s salary at Heerenveen was €450,000 ($507,000), the minimum wage for players from outside Europe that clubs in the Netherlands have to pay.

Hau also said on Facebook: "...the past 10 months have been the best period I have ever experienced since I started playing football. I will never give up on my dream."

The 21-year-old footballer will board a special flight back to Vietnam in one or two weeks.

At the moment, Hanoi FC is facing a crisis in defense with most of its key players sidelined due to injury. They have earned only 11 points after eight rounds, standing 8th out of 14 clubs at top league V. League 1.