Vietnam star defender wears $21,000 Rolex watch to contract extension meeting

Vu Van Thanh (R) signs a contract extension with CAHN on June 6, 2025. Photo by CAHN FC

Thanh officially extended his contract with CAHN for another three years, committing to the club until the end of the 2027–2028 season. At the signing, Thanh wore a black polo shirt paired with black pants, accessorized with earrings and a Rolex GMT-Master II, a model priced between VND550 million and 600 million ($21,000-23,000) on the Vietnamese market.

The contract renewal puts to rest speculation that Thanh would transfer to The Cong Viettel after this season. The 28-year-old was rumored to be close to joining the military-run club, which reportedly offered him a signing bonus of VND5 billion per season, totaling VND15 billion ($575,000) over three years. Multiple sources indicated that both parties had agreed on most terms and were awaiting the final signature before Thanh unexpectedly changed his mind at the last minute.

"Defender Vu Van Thanh has signed a new contract until 2028. This reaffirms the long-term vision and ambition of CAHN. Let’s look forward to Thanh’s powerful runs, overlapping attacks and unwavering fighting spirit in the journey ahead," the club wrote on their official fanpage.

Thanh joined CAHN in 2023 after leaving Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL). He played a key role in helping the club win the 2023 V. League title and finish as runners-up in the 2024–2025 ASEAN Club Championship. Over the past three seasons, he has contributed 7 goals and 18 assists.

Currently, Thanh and CAHN are aiming for a top-three finish in the 2024–2025 V. League and to win the National Cup. CAHN sit third in the league with 39 points after 24 rounds, one point ahead of The Cong Viettel, with two matches remaining. In the National Cup, CAHN are set to face Viettel in the semifinals on June 26.