High quality, low risk: record number of Japanese in Premier League
A record number of Japanese players are in the Premier League this season, with clubs attracted by their proven quality, value for money and the "very little risk" involved in signing them."There aren't many examples of clubs signing Japanese players and having issues with their adaptation, with their personality, with their integration into the squad, with discipline," said Pannick, who has…
A record number of Japanese players have signed with Premier League clubs this season, with their quality, value and low risk being key factors in their attraction. Ten Japanese players were registered with top-tier English teams at the start of the campaign, with more expected before the transfer window closes. The highest-profile signing so far is 24-year-old Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who joined Aston Villa from Italian side Parma.
Other notable signings include former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu at Crystal Palace, midfielder Hidemasa Morita at Hull City and Daizen Maeda at Ipswich Town. Japan has a long history in the Premier League, with Shinji Kagawa, Shinji Okazaki, Takumi Minamino and Wataru Endo all winning league titles. FIFA-registered agent Joel Pannick of CAA Base says English clubs have increased confidence in signing Japanese players, noting that there are few examples of clubs facing issues with adaptation, integration or discipline.
Japanese players are increasingly spending time in other European leagues before making the move to the Premier League, with the Championship becoming a popular staging post. The Premier League's tactical nature and emphasis on coordinated play have made it easier for Japanese players to adapt to the league.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- High quality, low risk: record number of Japanese in Premier League freemalaysiatoday.com
- High quality, low risk: record number of Japanese in Premier League nst.com.my
- Kinley Rasmus breaks the record for hits by a girl at the Little League World Series sports.yahoo.com
- Kinley Rasmus breaks the record for hits by a girl at the Little League World Series winnipegfreepress.com
