Russian striker standing 1.90m tall parts ways with the club that won the V-League twice

Long An FC has been compelled to part ways with Russian striker Ivan Khleborodov because of a prolonged meniscus injury and is urgently looking for a substitute amid the club’s decline in the First Division.

The failure of foreign players to meet expectations due to injury always poses a challenge for First Division teams. Recently, Long An FC had to make a crucial personnel decision by parting ways with Russian forward Ivan Khleborodov, as the team battles near the bottom of the standings.

Ivan Khleborodov was introduced by Long An FC from the 2nd round of the 2025/2026 National First Division. Standing 1.90m tall and playing as a center forward, the 1995-born striker quickly made a noticeable impact on the playing style of the Tân An home team. His ideal physique made him a target in aerial situations and a pivot for the second line.

However, an unfortunate turning point occurred late last year when Khleborodov suffered a meniscus injury. This type of injury requires a lengthy recovery period, directly affecting mobility and peak performance. Given Long An FC’s need for a stable squad to improve results, retaining a foreign player sidelined for an extended time was nearly impossible.

After 9 rounds, Long An FC has only secured 2 wins, 2 draws, and suffered 5 losses, accumulating a mere 8 points and currently ranking 10th out of 12 teams. This record places coach Nguyễn Ngọc Linh’s squad under significant pressure. Therefore, the club’s management decided to terminate the contract early with the Russian striker to pave the way for a more suitable replacement.

In the latest training session at Tân An stadium, a new foreign player appeared and trained with the entire team. The identity of this player has not been disclosed yet, but this move indicates that Long An FC is urgently finalizing a replacement in preparation for the crucial upcoming phase.

As for Ivan Khleborodov, he will return to Russia to continue his injury treatment. Before coming to Vietnam, his entire career was linked with clubs in Russia, and the V.League is his first experience playing abroad. According to Transfermarkt, his market value is approximately 100,000 euros. Meanwhile, Long An FC will face round 10 with an away match at Thống Nhất stadium against Đại học Văn Hiến, presenting a significant challenge in the relegation battle.