Official | Mainz sign Sota Kawasaki on loan with option to buy | OneFootball

Mainz have today confirmed the signing of Sota Kawasaki (23) on a season-long loan from Kyoto Sanga with an option to buy. The Bundesliga side will pay a reported €1m to sign the Japanese midfielder on a permanent basis should he impress on loan from the J-League club.

“Sota Kawasaki is an extremely versatile player,” said M05 Sporting Director Niko Bungert. “He’s technically gifted, can play with both feet and covers lots of ground. One thing that immediately impressed us was how he loves to constantly press high up the pitch, which will make him a great fit for our game.

“We’re confident that he will integrate wonderfully both physically and personally with our team, our club, and the city, and that he will be the next in a long line of Japanese players who have made a name for themselves here in Mainz.”

Upon his arrival at the club, Kawasaki added: “I followed Mainz last season and watched their matches. I really like their attacking style of play and aggressive pressing. Now I’m excited to bring that style of football onto the pitch wearing the Mainz shirt, to meet the Mainz fans and experience the famous atmosphere in Bundesliga stadiums.”

Kawasaki played 179 games across all competitions for Kyoto Sanga, scoring 14 goals and provided 11 assists. The 23-year-old was also captain of the club.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder