Văn Hậu will return to Ha Noi FC shortly. — Photo thethao247.vn

HÀ NỘI — Vietnamese national team defender Đoàn Văn Hậu is returning to Ha Noi FC after Dutch side SC Heerenveen did not extend his loan contract.

Hậu is expected to return to Việt Nam in the coming days.

The Vietnamese player's contract with SC Heerenveen expired on June 30 after which the two clubs negotiated to try and extend his spell in Europe, with Ha Noi even offering to help pay his 450,000 euro wages. 

However, the Dutch club doesn’t seem to plan to use Hậu at the moment.

In addition, the Dutch team is also reportedly in financial difficulties due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ha Noi FC president Đỗ Quang Vinh said Văn Hậu's return will greatly benefit the club in the midst of an injury crisis.

“We are always ready to listen to other negotiations from other clubs and try to create the opportunity for Hậu to play in a European football environment.

"However, with the complicated situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's not easy.

"At the end of the year, the AFF Cup will return and Văn Hậu will be back in his home country to regain his form after a long time without playing due to the pandemic break”, Vinh said.

The defender made only a single short substitute appearance for the Dutch side's first team since moving there in September 2019. — VNS