Vietnam U23 star unexpectedly contacted by a South Korean club

Pham Ly Duc from CAHN has caught the eye of a South Korean club, creating the chance for the 2003-born center-back to play overseas on loan.

Center-back Pham Ly Duc, currently playing for Hanoi Police Club (CAHN), is being pursued by a team in the K-League 2. According to the Ngoai Duong Piste Vlog, assistant coach Kim Sang Sik has discussed with Ly Duc the possibility of a South Korean club wanting to loan him for one season.

If this transfer goes through, it would mark a significant milestone for the 2003-born defender - a player highly regarded among the promising young defensive talents in Vietnamese football. Ly Duc, originally from Tay Ninh, plays as a center-back. He is currently registered with CAHN after stints at Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

The year 2025 is considered a crucial point in Ly Duc’s career. The defender has made significant progress by consistently appearing in youth national teams and gaining experience in various tournaments. He helped Vietnam U23 win the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship, confirming his important role in the defense.

Afterward, Ly Duc was called up to the Vietnam U22 team and won a gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games with his teammates. At the continental level, he participated in the journey to secure bronze at the 2026 U23 Asian Championship. Although he missed the third-place match due to suspension following a red card in the semifinals, his overall performance left a strong professional impression.

Regarding his playing style, Ly Duc is seen as a combative, reliable center-back with disciplined defensive organization, strong tackling, and good game reading. His weakness lies in occasionally losing composure under pressure, as seen at the 2026 U23 Asian Championship. However, at 22-23 years old, he still has plenty of room to improve.

Interest from a K-League 2 club highlights Ly Duc’s recognized potential. If he moves on loan to South Korea for a season, the CAHN defender will gain valuable experience in a fast-paced, competitive environment, enhancing his skills, mental toughness, and exposure to modern training methods—key foundations for his future development.