Southeast Asia Vietnam

Nguyen Cong Phuong to Sign for Belgian Side Sint-Truiden

Vietnamese international striker Nguyen Cong Phuong is set to sign for Belgian top division side Sint-Truiden on loan from parent club Hoang Anh Gia Lai, according to this report.

Cong Phuong has starred for Vietnam in recent months, gaining international recognition for his performances during the 2018 Asian Games, 2018 AFF Cup and 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Hailed as a member of Vietnam’s ‘Golden Generation,’ Cong Phuong became one of three players to leave for foreign shores, along with Dang Van Lam and Luong Xuan Truong, who signed for Muangthong and Buriram United in the Thai League respectively.

The journeyman forward was the only of his contingent to leave Southeast Asia, when he signed a loan deal with K.League side Incheon United. However, his spell at the club was cut short after making eight appearances for the side without finding the net.

With his heart set on a move to Europe, Cong Phuong was rumored to be seeking opportunities for a trial at clubs in the French Ligue 2.

Upon joining Sint-Truiden, Cong Phuong will be the second Southeast Asian player in the Belgian league system, alongside Thai goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan, who plays for second division side OH Leuven. Additionally, Sint-Truiden themselves have six Japanese players on their books, including internationals Takehiro Tomiyasu, Daichi Kamada and Wataru Endo.