Versatile defender Vu Van Thanh of Vietnam outfit Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) could be given an opportunity to play for a European club as early as this year, football agent/scout Jernej Kamensek confirmed.
Jernej Kamensek is credited for bringing World Cup participant Nastja Ceh and 1991 European Cup winner, head coach Ljupko Petrović to FLC Thanh Hoa.
Speaking to Goal Vietnam, Kamensek had nothing but praises for Van Thanh.
“I surely want to bring Vu Van Thanh to Europe. He has the ability to compete there.”
Kamensek revealed that Van Thanh could reach a higher potential than his peers Nguyen Cong Phuong, Nguyen Tuan Anh and Luong Xuan Truong.
“Cong Phuong could be a star in V.League 1 in the future, but he won’t stand a chance in Europe,” Kamensek said.
“In centre midfield, Xuan Truong and Tuan Anh lack the required pace, stamina and strength. I think Truong could play well for Asian clubs, but no further than that.”
“Van Thanh, on the other hand, could play on either flank as a defender or midfielder.”
“These positions require less stamina and durability, comparing to centre midfield. That’s why I think Thanh’s chance is bigger than his peers.”
Regarding the plan to bring Van Thanh to Europe, Kamensek said: “I would like to bring him over after SEA Games (in August this year).”
“He could join a club in Slovenia or Slovakia, and have the opportunity to play in the Champions League or Europa League in the future.”
“But Thanh would really need to fight for himself. He would have to adapt to the new environment.”
20-year-old Van Thanh joined HAGL’s Academy in 2007 and made his first team debut in 2015. He went on to make 57 V.League appearances for the club, scoring 14 goals.