Tim Chow: Hong Kong talent has a dream to play in Europe or the United States

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A glimpse in the database shows that the highest-ever market value for a player based in Hong Kong was €550,000. That figure was reached in 2015 by the Brazilian-born Giovane, who at the age of 41, still plays for the Hong Kong Rangers in the Premier League. But there is now a young talent based in Hong Kong who could soon break that record: Tim Chow.

Chow is only 17 but already an important member of the Hong Kong FC squad. Promoted from the academy when he was only 16, Chow has already played 25 games and scored one goal. “It all feels a bit rushed,” Chow said in an interview with Transfermarkt. “I never thought it would happen, and I am thankful for the trust and the opportunity provided by head coach [Tony Hamilton-Bram].” Chow was at a youth camp in the United States when Hamilton-Bram invited him to train with the first team. Back in Hong Kong, Chow received a professional contract after just one training session.

“When I signed that contract, I thought I would only play a minor role,” Chow said. “I was playing the qualifiers for the U17 Asian Cup and missed a few games at the start of the season. But when I got back, I was picked for the starting XI and played well. Then the next game, the coach once again started me, and it continued that way for the entire season,” the variable defender added.

“His biggest strength is that he is always calm,” TM data scout nath87 said. “You would never see him panic. I think the reason for that is that he often played against older players in youth.” Despite that, it stands out that other players have a physical advantage over Chow. Although he is 180cm tall, he is quite slender. The TM expert believes that working on his physicality is one of the most important aspects for Chow.

School is the priority for Tim Chow: Clubs in Germany and the US interested

Nonetheless, Chow is already a candidate to play for the national team, which is coached by former Bundesliga star Jørn Andersen. In fact, Andersen has already nominated Chow for the U23 that took part in the Asian Games in September and October. Chow started one game and was brought on twice. Ultimately, Hong Kong was eliminated in the semifinal against Japan and lost the third-placed final against Uzbekistan. But the fourth-place finish was still the best result for Hong Kong at that tournament. “It was a dream come true,” Chow said. “It was a crazy experience.”

Although he has been part of the first team squad for over a year, Chow doesn’t consider himself a full-time professional as he still goes to school and only trains three times a week. “In the back of my head, I know that I have to finish high school first,” Chow said. “Both my parents and I want I to graduate.” Right now, he is in his final school year. And then what? “I can still develop, even in Hong Kong. I still can learn a lot by playing here, especially at bigger clubs.”

Chow has told Transfermarkt that agents have brought forward offers from clubs in Germany, Indonesia, and the Philippines who want to sign him for their academies. A Scottish club has offered a trial, but Chow refused. His first goal is to become a full professional.

What about long-term goals? “I want to play at the highest level possible,” Chow said. “I don’t want to just play in Hong Kong or China but also in Europe, the United States, or another league. That is the goal that I set for myself. I know it will be difficult, but it is my dream, and I hope I can reach it one day.” If he fulfills his dream, breaking the market value record for a player from Hong Kong should only be a question of time.

From December 1 to 24, we introduce new players from different countries born in 2006 and 2007. Area managers, users, and data scouts come into play as experts throughout the series. You can follow all those players by adding them to your TM watchlist.