Bac Ninh’s rise has been swift. In 2024, the club secured promotion from V.League 2 after a dramatic campaign that captured the imagination of supporters. Now, management has moved aggressively in the transfer market, bringing in a wave of new talent and strengthening both the squad and the coaching staff.

Bac Ninh FC players train on the pitch ahead of the new season.

A key appointment is Brazilian coach Paulo Foiani, who has been named head coach. Foiani is a familiar name to Vietnamese fans, having previously managed Cong An Ha Noi in the 2023 V-League season.

His resume includes extensive experience in Brazil, where he coached 21 teams and led Sousa EC to the Paraibano Championship in 2025. Both club officials and fans see him as a pivotal figure in transforming Bac Ninh’s V-League dream into reality.

The squad has undergone what local commentators describe as a near-complete “makeover,” with reinforcements across all positions. Notable signings include seasoned Vietnamese internationals and V-League veterans such as striker Ha Duc Chinh, goalkeeper Huynh Tuan Linh, midfielders Nguyen Hai Huy and Dinh Van Truong, winger Ngan Van Dai and defenders Hoang Xuan Tan and Nguyen Thanh Long. Their arrival signals Bac Ninh’s intent to compete at the highest level.

For the first time, the V.League 2 will allow each club to register one foreign player, with eligibility also extending to the National Cup. Bac Ninh seized the opportunity by signing Brazilian striker Kainã Nunes da Silva Amarante, born in 1997.

The 1.96-meter forward has played in Europe and Asia, most recently featuring for Esteghlal Khuzestan in Iran and making an impact in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers. With his imposing physical presence and aerial dominance, Kainã is expected to be a key weapon in Bac Ninh’s attack.

Another intriguing addition is Li-sheng Eddie Tran, a Swedish-born midfielder of Vietnamese descent. Standing 1.72 meters tall, Tran began his professional career in 2016 and has played in several European clubs.

Known for his stamina, tactical intelligence, and defensive discipline, he is regarded as a modern defensive midfielder capable of anchoring Bac Ninh’s midfield and linking play effectively.

Under Foiani’s leadership, Bac Ninh FC has tested itself in a series of friendlies against higher-tier opponents, including Cong An Ha Noi, Hoa Binh, and Truong Tuoi Dong Nai. These matches have helped Foiani refine tactics and build chemistry within the squad.

“The players have been training with great determination,” Foiani told reporters. “My task is to create cohesion so the team plays as a unified group. Every match will be treated like a final. Our ultimate goal is promotion to the V-League.”

The upcoming V.League 2 will feature 12 teams: Bac Ninh, Van Hien University, Dong Thap, Gia Dinh, Khanh Hoa, Long An, Ho Chi Minh City, HCMC Youth, PVF-CAND Youth, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai, Quang Ninh, and Quy Nhon Binh Dinh.

Teams will play a double round-robin format, and the top two clubs that meet Vietnam Football Federation licensing requirements will advance directly to the V-League in 2026-2027.

Although Bac Ninh is a newly promoted side, experts view it as a strong promotion contender thanks to its mix of established veterans, ambitious planning, and significant investment.

Adding to the excitement, Bac Ninh FC recently announced that Viet Yen Stadium will serve as its home ground this season.

Located in Viet Yen ward, the modern facility covers more than 8,000 square meters, with a natural grass pitch and 7,500 seats. Local authorities approved the arrangement, ensuring Bac Ninh FC will enjoy professional-standard infrastructure as it embarks on its campaign.

With the season opener only days away, anticipation is building among fans. Club officials expect Viet Yen’s stands to be filled with passionate supporters, eager to push their team closer to the V-League dream.

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