Vietnam's Star Defender Arrives in $21K Rolex for Contract Talks

National team defender Vu Van Thanh appeared stylish in an all-black outfit and donned a Rolex watch at the contract renewal signing with V. League club Cong An Ha Noi (CAHN) on Friday.

Vu Van Thanh (R) extended his contract with CAHN on June 6, 2025. The photo was taken by CAHN FC.

Thanh has officially renewed his contract with CAHN for an additional three years, ensuring he will remain with the team through the conclusion of the 2027–2028 campaign. During the signing ceremony, Thanh was dressed in a sleek black polo shirt and matching black trousers, complemented by earrings and a Rolex GMT-Master II watch, which retails for approximately VND550 million to 600 million ($21,000-$23,000) in Vietnam.

The renewed contract has put an end to rumors suggesting that Thanh might move to The Cong Viettel following this season. It was speculated that the 28-year-old player was nearly set to join the military-owned team, which supposedly offered him a signing incentive of VND5 billion annually, amounting to VND15 billion ($575,000) across three seasons. Various sources stated that both sides had reached agreement on most conditions and expected only the final signatures when Thanh suddenly reversed his decision at the last second.

"The defender Vu Van Thanh has inked a new agreement extending his stay with us until 2028. This reinforces our club's strategic objectives and ambitions for the future as outlined by CAHN. We eagerly anticipate Thanh’s dynamic sprints, incisive offensive maneuvers, and indomitable resolve moving forward," the team posted 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.

At present, Thanh and CAHN are targeting a podium finish in the 2024–2025 V. League as well as victory in the National Cup. Currently positioned third in the league with 39 points following 24 fixtures, they lead The Cong Viettel by just one point, with only two games left to play. As for the National Cup, CAHN will go up against Viettel in the semi-finals scheduled for June 26.