OFFICIAL: Vietnamese-American defender joins the team with the fewest goals in V.League

Hong Linh Ha Tinh has successfully signed Vietnamese-American player Ian Mai to bolster their lineup for the 2026/27 V.League season. This move is a significant reinforcement for the Nui Hong club following the departure of Viktor Le.

Recently, Hong Linh Ha Tinh Club issued an announcement confirming this deal: WELCOME IAN MAI. Hong Linh Ha Tinh FC welcomes Ian Mai to join the Red Mountain team.

Born in 2004, playing as a defender, Ian Mai is one of the young Vietnamese-overseas faces expected to bring more competition and new options to Hong Linh Ha Tinh's defense.

A new journey officially begins. We wish Ian Mai a quick integration with his teammates, adaptation to the V.League environment, and many memorable moments in the red shirt of Nui Hong.

Ian Mai, born in 2004, is a Vietnamese-American player who can play as a right-back or right midfielder. Possessing a height of 1m78 and good physical foundation, this player is highly rated for his speed, movement, and ability to support attacks from the wing.

Before coming to Vietnam, Ian Mai developed through the youth training system in the US and spent time training at famous academies such as LAFC, LA Galaxy, and Barca Academy. In 2021, at just 16 years old, he signed with San Diego Loyal and had the opportunity to play in the USL Championship before moving to Europe to play for FC Ordino of Andorra.

During his trial period at Hong Linh Ha Tinh, Ian Mai impressed the coaching staff with his energetic tackling, defensive support ability, and quick adaptation to the tactical requirements of coach Phan Nhu Thuat. This positive performance helped the 2004-born player convince the Red Mountain team to offer an official contract.

According to Transfermarkt, Ian Mai is currently valued at around 150,000 euros. The arrival of the Vietnamese-American defender is expected to increase squad depth and create more competition for Hong Linh Ha Tinh's defense in the new season.

The signing of Ian Mai further demonstrates the efforts of the Ha Tinh team to refresh their squad. In the past V.League season, coach Phan Nhu Thuat's side finished 8th with 29 points. Although they scored only 15 goals, the fewest in the league, Hong Linh Ha Tinh had the third-best defense in the V.League, behind only CAHN and The Cong Viettel.

In addition to Ian Mai, Hong Linh Ha Tinh is also giving a trial opportunity to another Vietnamese-overseas player, Jessy Nguyen. The French-Vietnamese midfielder, born in 2001, stands at 1m80 and can play in various midfield positions. He previously played for SO Chatellerault in the French fifth division. Currently, Jessy Nguyen is still being evaluated by the coaching staff before a final decision on his future at the Red Mountain team.