Vietnamese-Slovakian goalkeeper signs for new club in $1M deal

The two sides announced the signing on Sunday. Details were not disclosed, but according to VnExpress's sources, the signing bonus for the 32-year-old goalkeeper is VND7.5 billion and will be paid in three installments (VND2.5 billion per year). Le Giang will receive a monthly salary of $18,000. If he completes his contract with HCMC FC, he will pocket nearly VND23 billion ($920,000) in total, not to mention other bonuses.

"I’m quite happy with this signing," said HCMC coach Phung Thanh Phuong. "Le Giang's talent is undeniable. His presence will help the team feel secure in defense."

Patrick Le Giang was born in 1992 to a Vietnamese father and a Slovakian mother. He used to play for the U19 and U21 Slovakia and had spells at many clubs in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In 2023, he returned to Vietnam and played for CAHN

However, due to limited playing time, Le Giang agreed to move to HCMC last season on loan. He played 23 out of the team's 24 matches in the 2023-2024 V-League season. With only 24 goals conceded and seven clean sheets, Le Giang was voted goalkeeper of the season, while HCMC finished fourth.

Vietnamese-Russian goalkeeper Dang Van Lam, the national team's number one goalie, has also signed a $1-million deal with rookie club Thanh Nien HCMC FC in the lower division V. League 2. He has not joined the team yet, as he has been loaned back to Binh Dinh FC for half a season. Lam also wants to continue playing in the V. League to increase his chances of being called up to the Vietnam national team for the 2024 ASEAN Cup (formerly AFF Cup) at the end of the year.