The truth behind the rumor that a Chinese club wants to recruit Đình Bắc

The speculation that a Chinese club is making a hefty offer for Nguyễn Đình Bắc has drawn interest, yet the facts indicate that this transfer might not fit well with the progression plan for the young U23 Vietnam forward.

In recent days, the name Nguyễn Đình Bắc has repeatedly appeared on football forums following reports that a Chinese club is ready to spend heavily to acquire the young U23 Vietnam striker. The rumor quickly caught attention because Đình Bắc recently shone brightly at the 2026 U23 Asian Championship, where he became the focal point not only for domestic fans but also for regional media.

At the 2026 U23 Asian Championship, Đình Bắc was one of the standout players of the U23 Vietnam team. The striker, born in 2004, scored 4 goals, provided 2 assists, and earned the top scorer title, playing a major role in helping the team secure a historic bronze medal. Beyond his sharp goal-scoring ability, the Nghệ An native demonstrated clear growth in game intelligence, teamwork, and handling high-pressure situations.

That impressive form quickly resonated beyond Vietnam’s borders. China’s Baidu platform praised Đình Bắc extensively, describing him as a previously overlooked talent who exploded onto the continental stage. According to Baidu, the 2026 U23 Asian Championship was merely a “catalyst” that helped Đình Bắc’s talent gain wider recognition rather than a fleeting fame.

Chinese media also emphasized Đình Bắc’s all-around playing style. Instead of just operating inside the penalty area, the striker often drops back to link midfield, help build attacks, and create space for teammates. His passing, positioning, versatile finishing, and effective free kicks are considered the “weapons” that help Đình Bắc stand out and lead the Golden Boot race.

Based on these positive evaluations, Baidu suggested that Guangxi Hengchen club could be a potential destination if Đình Bắc moves to China. This team competes in China’s League One and aims to strengthen its squad with young, promising players. However, when considering the practical side, this assessment reveals several unconvincing points. Guangxi Hengchen’s total squad value is only about 1.22 million euros, with no player valued over 150,000 euros, whereas Đình Bắc himself is valued around 300,000 euros.

More importantly, Đình Bắc is currently under contract with Hanoi Police FC, a team with a squad value of up to 6.73 million euros that regularly competes for titles in the V-League. Leaving such a competitive environment to join a lower-tier club in China is considered unsuitable for the development trajectory of the striker born in 2004. From a professional perspective, if he maintains his form and continues to improve, Đình Bắc could aim for higher-quality leagues like the J-League or K-League rather than a “big-money” deal that may not offer sustainable growth.