A Spanish coach is set to arrive at a team recently relegated from the V.League

Becamex TP.HCM is said to be close to naming Gerard Albadalejo as head coach, targeting a swift comeback to the V.League.

After being relegated to the First Division for the 2026/27 season, Becamex TP.HCM is urgently rebuilding its squad with the goal of returning to the V.League as soon as possible. Along with retaining key players, the Thủ Dầu Một-based club is reported to have made significant progress in its search for a new head coach, targeting Spanish tactician Gerard Albadalejo.

According to multiple sources, Becamex TP.HCM wants to hand the "hot seat" to Gerard Albadalejo, who previously worked at Ninh Bình. The Spanish manager is considered a good fit for the club's rebuilding direction due to his experience in Vietnam and his ability to develop a modern playing style. If everything goes smoothly, he will become Becamex TP.HCM's head coach just before the new season begins.

Gerard Albadalejo arrived in Vietnam in mid-2025 to take charge of Ninh Bình. Under his guidance, the ancient capital club once went on an 11-match unbeaten run, including eight consecutive victories, to rise to the top of the V.League standings. In the National Cup, he also helped Ninh Bình defeat Phú Thọ and Hải Phòng to reach the quarter-finals.

However, the final period at Ninh Bình did not go as expected. After the break for the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, the team suffered consecutive defeats to Công an Hà Nội, HAGL, and Nam Định. Coach Gerard Albadalejo himself was also suspended from the touchline for two matches due to his reactions towards the referee. Following a run of unfavorable results, both parties decided to part ways.

Alongside the search for a new coach, Becamex TP.HCM is also working hard to keep important figures. Recently, Vietnam international Võ Hoàng Minh Khoa confirmed that he will continue with the club despite receiving many offers from V.League teams. The decision of the 2001-born midfielder to stay is seen as a major boost for the Thủ Dầu Một side's squad rebuilding plan.

With an experienced coach like Gerard Albadalejo and a stable core of players, Becamex TP.HCM demonstrates great determination in its journey back to the top tier of Vietnamese football. Although the deal has not been officially announced, the club's move for the Spanish strategist is drawing significant attention and is expected to open a new, ambitious chapter for the team in the 2026/27 season.