OFFICIAL: French-Vietnamese player joins Vietnamese football club

Following a careful assessment during the V.League hiatus, Song Lam Nghe An Club has formally made the decision to recruit the French-Vietnamese footballer Phi Long Karim Tran.

Phi Long Karim Tran, born in 2004, holds French and Algerian nationality, stands 1.76 meters tall, and is right-footed. This young player specializes as a winger or right forward, known for his speed, wide movement, attacking support, and readiness to engage in pressing. Before joining Song Lam Nghe An, Phi Long Karim Tran played for FC United Richelle in the 2de Nationale ACFF, which is the fourth tier in the Belgian football system.

During the V.League break, Phi Long Karim Tran spent time training and trialing with the Nghe An team. According to the coaching staff's assessment, the French-Vietnamese player demonstrated a professional attitude, seriousness in professional activities, quick adaptation, and suitability with the tactical direction that Coach Van Sy Son is developing.

Before being selected by Song Lam Nghe An, Phi Long Karim Tran had a trial spell at Hong Linh Ha Tinh. While searching for additional options to strengthen their attack, the Hong Mountain team offered opportunities to many players, including domestic, foreign, and overseas Vietnamese players. Phi Long Karim Tran was one of the players who trained directly with the first team and made his unofficial debut when Hong Linh Ha Tinh played a friendly match against Song Lam Nghe An on January 7.

On the afternoon of January 29, after his official introduction, Phi Long Karim Tran had his first training session wearing the traditional yellow jersey of Song Lam Nghe An. On the first day of gathering, Coach Van Sy Son personally observed and tested the 2004-born recruit through a series of fitness, speed, jumping ability, movement, and basic skills assessments such as ball control, finishing, and dribbling.

Sharing after his first training session, Phi Long Karim Tran expressed “I am very proud to have Vietnamese blood in me. Playing in Vietnam is not only a career opportunity but also holds great emotional significance for me.”

Currently, the Nghe An team is completing the necessary procedures to enable the French-Vietnamese newcomer to be eligible for registration. If everything proceeds smoothly, Phi Long Karim Tran could be given the chance to play as early as Round 12 of the 2025/26 V.League when Song Lam Nghe An hosts Hanoi FC at Vinh Stadium.