Transfermarkt predicted Duc had a 40 percent chance of joining Riga last Saturday. On Sunday, it went up to 60, and has now hit 68 percent.
Of course, it’s just a reference number based on recent links between Duc and several clubs overseas. The ultimate decision will depend on his current club Viettel FC.
Duc still has two years of his contract left with Viettel so it will not be easy for Riga to make a move. However, playing for Riga is considered a stepping stone for him to reach higher levels in the future. If Riga cannot convince Viettel to sell Duc, they could still get him on loan.
Before Riga, Thai clubs like BG Pathum United FC or Chonburi FC expressed interest in Duc but Viettel refused their offers.
Duc is one of the most prominent young talents of Vietnamese football at present. The 24-year-old secured a solid spot in the national team lineup with his consistent performance in the second round of World Cup qualifiers in June. A versatile midfielder, he can play as a ball carrier, an attacking midfielder, and a defensive midfielder. Duc has a market value of €200,000 ($226,770), according to Transfermarkt.
Another star player of Vietnam, midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai, also received interest from Riga, but Transfermarkt stated the chance of Hai moving to the club is just 31 percent.