Cruz, born in 1980, brings extensive experience in developing goalkeepers across both youth and professional levels. His arrival comes as HAGL undergo major personnel changes following their ninth-place finish in the 2024–2025 season, a result that met the club’s pre-season expectations.

The club also announced the signings of two Brazilian players. Forward Gabriel da Conceicao, 23, is expected to fill the void left by departing striker Washington Brandao. A product of the Botafogo academy, Gabriel most recently played for Boavista in Brazil’s Série D, registering three goals and one assist in 21 appearances last season.

The second addition is midfielder Khevin Fraga, who joins from Maltese club Hibernians. Valued at €350,000, Fraga featured in 33 matches, scored five goals, and contributed four assists in the 2024 campaign, helping his side lift the Malta FA Trophy.

HAGL rising star earns Vietnam late draw against Japan at AFC U17 Asian Cup

VOV.VN - Tran Gia Bao of Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) scored a stoppage-time penalty to help U17 Vietnam hold U17 Japan to a 1-1 draw, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup fiinals alive.