Hai Phong FC enhances its 'steel' with a midfielder who excelled in the Thai League

Hai Phong FC keeps building its roster for the 2026/27 season with the signing of Brazilian defensive midfielder Romeu Martins Rezende, who stood out at Sukhothai FC in the Thai League.

Romeu Martins Rezende was born on January 23, 1998, in Araguaína, Brazil. He stands 1.85 m tall and specializes as a defensive midfielder, though he can also play in central midfield. With his strong physique, tackling ability, and stamina, the 28-year-old is expected to bring balance and boost the midfield battle for the Port City team.

In the 2025/26 season, Romeu played for Sukhothai FC in Thai League 1, making 27 appearances, scoring 5 goals, and providing 1 assist. Across all competitions, the Brazilian midfielder netted 6 goals in 29 matches—an impressive figure for a player primarily tasked with defensive duties.

Romeu also has a fairly rich playing journey. He rose through the Coritiba youth system before representing Maringá in Brazil. In 2020, he moved to Sweden to play for Linköping City, where he made 23 appearances in the national league and scored 3 goals.

After that, he returned to Brazil, playing successively for Boa Esporte, Monte Azul, Passo Fundo, Taubaté, Athletic Club, and Itabaiana. The midfielder also spent time in Iraq with Naft Al-Basra before moving to Sukhothai in 2025.

Notably, Romeu was announced as a signing by Ninh Bình FC in mid-July. At that time, the ancient capital club identified him as a foreign player for Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's plans for the 2026/27 season. The Brazilian midfielder's subsequent appearance in Hai Phong's personnel plans therefore marks a significant twist in the pre-season transfer market.

Romeu's arrival comes as Hai Phong is undergoing a fairly major squad overhaul under coach Dang Van Thanh.

After the 2025/26 season, the Lach Tray stadium team parted ways with a series of key players. Those leaving include goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu, central defenders Nguyen Nhat Minh, Bui Tien Dung, Nguyen Trung Hieu, Trieu Viet Hung, and Nguyen Xuan Nam. Earlier, Hai Phong was reported to have said goodbye to a total of 12 players after the season ended.

On the other side, the Port City team actively added reinforcements. The new faces include Nguyen Cong Phuong, Dang Tuan Phong, Nguyen Ngoc Tu, Huynh Tuan Vu, Ho Viet Dai, and Nguyen Vu Tin. Three players—Nguyen Cong Phuong, Dang Tuan Phong, and Nguyen Ngoc Tu—joined on loan from The Cong Viettel.

Hai Phong then signed a long-term contract with Nguyen Thai Hoc, while also investing in young talent with midfielder Tran Gia Hung (born 2007) and Hoang Trong Duy Khang (born 2008).

Another key move by the Port City club was retaining Nguyen Huu Son. The midfielder born in 1996 had his contract extended until 2029 and is expected to become a leading figure in the new squad.

In the foreign player group, Hai Phong previously built a core with striker Milan Makaric and foreign players Bicou, Tagueu, and Equatorial Guinea international central defender Esteban Orozco. Makaric is especially notable after scoring 11 goals for SHB Da Nang in the 2025/26 V.League.

Romeu could become an important piece. The 1.85 m midfielder's ability to break up play will strengthen Hai Phong's defense while also allowing attack-minded midfielders more freedom to operate.

Especially, with experience playing in Brazil, Europe, Iraq, and the Thai League, Romeu is not the type of foreign player who needs a long adjustment period to different football environments. His 5 goals in the Thai League last season also show he is not only capable of defending but can also be a notable presence in attack.