According to a source from Lao Dong newspaper, the naturalization process for center back Gustavo Santos is taking place very smoothly. The player born in 1995 has just completed a number of important steps to become a Vietnamese citizen.
Within 1 month, Gustavo will be eligible to receive citizenship. If this process goes smoothly and is completed before November 18, Gustavo Santos can be registered as an additional player and be ready to play immediately. Previously, Malaysia and Indonesia also regularly registered naturalized players at the last minute.
The addition from Gustavo Santos is very necessary for the Vietnamese team at the present time. In the 2 matches against Nepal, the Vietnamese national team's defense did not show a very positive face. Even veteran central defenders like Do Duy Manh showed instability. He made mistakes in the first leg and had some uncertain situations.
Coach Kim Sang-sik wants to have another quality central defender to strengthen the defense. In addition, Gustavo can bring greater competition, promoting the development of domestic players. Recently, Mr. Kim introduced young center back Nguyen Hieu Minh, but that was not enough.
Gustavo Santos was born in Brazil and played for a number of teams in this country before coming to Vietnam in 2018. He signed contracts with many clubs such as The Cong Viettel, Song Lam Nghe An, Saigon, Than Quang Ninh, Dong A Thanh Hoa and now Da Nang.
This star won 2 National Cup championships and 1 National Super Cup with Thanh Hoa. At the age of 30, Gustavo Santos can still contribute many years to the Vietnam national team.
Before Gustavo, midfielder Hendrio recently officially became a Vietnamese citizen with the Vietnamese name Do Hoang Hen. He will be on the field in round 7 of V.League for Hanoi FC when hosting Ninh Binh.
In addition, it is not ruled out that he will be called up by coach Kim Sang-sik for testing during the FIFA Days gathering in November.
