According to local newspaper VTC News, Cong Phuong is set to return to the nation and will play for a southern club, although his future destination is yet to be revealed.

This is widely considered to be a surprising decision as the Vietnamese striker and the Japanese club had recently renewed his contract. However, during the stay in Japan the 29-year-old player failed to make an impression at the club, being benched for the vast majority of games.

During the course of two seasons, Cong Phuong was only selected to play a total of 85 minutes. He did not score or assist any goals, receiving one yellow card in the process.