HCM City FC ends their contract with Swedish player Viktor Prodell. Photo vov.vn

HÀ NỘI — The V.League 1 season may be suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, but clubs are still in the thick of transfer action.

Last season's runners-up HCM City FC have terminated the contract of former Swedish international Viktor Prodell, who was only with the team for a few weeks after arriving in Việt Nam in January.

The striker only turned out for the southern side once int their 2-1 defeat to Buriram United of Thailand in the AFC Champions League’s qualification round on January 21.

Prodell has suffered a ligament injury and will be out of action for up to six months.

“He has a long-term injury at the time we are resting because of the coronavirus. The club managers and his agent have agreed to end our deal as we regulated in the contract,” said club president Nguyễn Hữu Thắng.

Meanwhile, V.League 1 newcomers Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh have released Brazilian midfielder Antonio Pereira Pina Neto after failing to make an impression in two appearances for the club.

Hà Tĩnh, who lost both their two first matches, are expected to sign American forward Victor Mansaray who has played for both Becamex Bình Dương and HCM City FC. He was previously reported to be on trial with Thanh Hóa FC.

In perhaps the strangest signings, Thanh Hóa and SHB Đà Nẵng have swapped foreign strikers in hopes new surroundings will improve their fortunes.

Thanh Hóa have signed French forward Philippe Nsiah, previously of Đà Nẵng, to replace Swedish striker Grace Tanda, with Tanda heading in the opposite direction to Đà Nẵng.

As well as improving their squads, some clubs are making use of the downtime due to the pandemic to improve their pitches.

Vinh Stadium of Sông Lam Nghệ An is said to be one of the worst pitches in the league and club officials hope to give it a facelift.

“We will upgrade the field despite our limited budget. Hopefully when the tournament returns players will enjoy a comfortable surface,” said Hồ Văn Chiêm, executive director of Sông Lam Nghệ An.

Meanwhile, Hà Tĩnh plan to not only improve their pitch but also build a floodlight system so matches can be held in the evening instead of early afternoon. — VNS