Yokohama FC, playing in Japan’s second-tier J2 League, on Sunday officially announced the contract extension with Vietnamese forward Nguyen Cong Phuong until the end of 2024, despite his limited playtime last season.

Phuong joined the Japanese club last year on a transfer deal from then-Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC, now LPBank Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC, a Vietnamese league side.

Amid high expectations from fans, the 28-year-old forward experienced a disappointing season, during which he did not play any official minute for Yokohama, then still in the top-tier J1 League, and was often not registered for matches. 

He was even relegated to train with the reserve team.

Yokohama FC finished last in the J1 League in 2023 and was relegated to the J2 League. 

Despite not being part of the coach’s main plans, the club have decided to renew Phuong’s contract.

The extension means that Phuong will remain at the club for the 2024 season.. 

Fans are hopeful that in a less competitive environment like the J2 League, Phuong will be entrusted with more opportunities to play. 

Last season, his only appearance was in a J.League Cup match, the Japanese equivalent to the League Cup in England, against Nagoya Grampus.

Phuong’s lack of game time has affected his opportunities with the Vietnam national team. 

Although he was called up to the national team in September, he was not included in the squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2023, led by French coach Philippe Troussier.

In 2016, Phuong signed for Mito Hollyhock in the J2 League, but he also sat on the bench most of the time.

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