Thai Media: Japanese Club Targeting Dinh Bac?

After halting their journey in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) semifinals, Vissel Kobe is formulating plans to bolster its attacking force. The most unexpected name believed to be under consideration by the Japanese club is forward Nguyen Dinh Bac.

Dinh Bac Targeted by Vissel Kobe

Vissel Kobe recently concluded its AFC Champions League Elite campaign with a position among the continent's top four teams. This achievement not only reaffirms the Port City club's stature but also secured an estimated prize of 400 million Yen (approximately 65 billion VND). With substantial financial resources, experts are focusing attention on the club's transfer market activities after the J1 League concludes.

Recently, Thai media, specifically the site KrianBuriram, published shocking news: Vissel Kobe is currently placing striker Nguyen Dinh Bac (under contract with Hanoi Police FC) on its key recruitment list. This move is reportedly aimed at reinforcing the attack, preparing for the club's longer-term domestic and international objectives.

The name Dinh Bac is not unfamiliar to football fans in the Land of the Rising Sun. During the AFC Asian Cup in January 2024, this young forward stunned Asia with a spectacular backward header that scored the equalizer against the Japanese national team.

Dinh Bac's passionate playing style, flexible movement, and diverse finishing skills left a powerful impression. This could be the reason Vissel Kobe's scouting department is closely monitoring this talent. The fact that his agent had contact with the Japanese club in 2024 further strengthens speculation about a potential link between Dinh Bac and Vissel Kobe. Could this be a historic deal for Vietnamese football?

Currently, many reports state Dinh Bac is highly keen to play overseas after the 2025/26 season concludes. However, Southeast Asian public opinion remains divided. Many express concerns about the "adaptation barrier," as the J-League is an environment demanding extremely high physicality and in-game speed.