Star midfielder reveals his club in France

On Wednesday he will have a medical before becoming the first ever Vietnamese player to play in a professional league in France.

Pau FC, established in 1920, finished 10th in Ligue 2, France’s second division, last season.

They own the 4,031-capacity Nouste Campo stadium.

The club’s president, Bernard Laporte-Fray, chose Hai because of his creative and clever style of play. He decided to give the Vietnamese player a two-year contract with an option of extending for another year, and has promised him time to adapt.

Pau are also willing to release Hai if he plays well and receives offers from bigger clubs.

Pau are renovating their squad this season and expect the signing of Hai and other new faces will help compete for promotion to the top-flight Ligue 1.

Hai, 25, is also happy with his choice because he feels appreciated at the club and expects to play regularly.

Vietnam’s coach Park Hang-seo has called him the best attacking midfielder in Vietnam.

In six seasons with Hanoi FC, Hai played 126 matches, scored 35 times and won every domestic title and the Vietnam Golden Ball in 2018.

He also played an important role in Vietnam winning second place at the 2018 AFC U23 Championship, the 2018 AFF Cup and SEA Games 30 and in Vietnam’s journey to the final round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.